At least 250 people arrested in joint security operation in downtown Kampala

At least 250 people were arrested in a joint security operation in downtown Kampala that was conducted by the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defense Forces.

In what seems to be an implementation of the presidential directive to deputy IGP Sabiiti Muzeyi  to curb crime in the city, the Uganda Police and the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF)have intensified joint operations around the capital city, arresting criminals alleged to be terrorizing the city.

In Katwe over 40 males were arrested for yet to be identified reasons, loaded onto a UPDF truck and taken to unknown destinations.

The joint security operation included stops at major city buildings like Majestic Plaza, Cooper Complex and Mutasa Kafeero.

The operation stretched to Katwe, Wasanso zone stage and 40 males were rounded up.

According to the on lookers, the security officials arrived around 12pm, closed off all entry and exits routes and ordered that everyone to remain put.

They say the security officials then proceeded towards the business area arresting many of those that they suspected of taking part in criminal activities.

The task teams raided units, around Muganzirwaza, where suspected stolen motorcycles, were being sold and stripped for spare parts. The operation recovered several motorcycles, and also came across dismantled reusable parts. A total of 250 suspects were arrested for further screening.

The other two teams conducted raids on shops dealing in suspected stolen electronic devices and phones, on cooper complex and Mutaasa Kafeero, respectively. An assortment of phones and electronic devices were recovered. The complaints are that dealers in these shops unblock and give devices new IMEI numbers making the stolen phones find their way back on the streets as legitimate phones.

Security believes these areas have become a conduit for the thieves to be able to convert the stolen items of motorcycles, phones and electronic devices.

The operation was intended to disrupt the supply line for stolen merchandise and it is hoped will reduce the number of burglaries, street robberies, theft of motorcycles and related murders.

Police later revealed that they had managed to recover 134 suspected stolen motorcycles, an assortment of spare parts and electronic devices including 1600 phones from Cooper complex.

All items recovered are clearly marked with the location and where the items were recovered from.

The public has been invited to come to Kampala Metropolitan Police headquarters and crosscheck the electronic devices and phones recovered including laptops, cell phones, as well as tablets, computer monitors, TVs. Those following the suspected stolen motorcycles should proceed to CID headquarters in Kibuli with supporting documents.

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