Police in Kampala have arrested 47 hardcore criminals suspected of being involved in drug-related crimes during a major security operation aimed at dismantling criminal networks and making neighborhoods safer.
The planned police operation took place on the evening of July 9, 2025, around 8:30 PM, by officers from Wandegeya Police. The crackdown targeted known crime hot spots, including Kafero, Lower Nsooba, Kalerwe, and Katanga zones.
During an interview on July 10 2025, the Kampala Metropolitan Police, SSP Patrick Onyango revealed that all 47 suspects were arrested for offenses related to illegal possession of narcotic drugs.
“This operation was part of our ongoing efforts to keep communities safe and maintain law and order,” SSP Onyango said. “Our officers carried out their duties with professionalism and discipline.”
The crackdown not only disrupted drug-related activity in the targeted zones but also demonstrated the police’s commitment to fighting crime across the city. Community leaders have praised the operation, calling it a positive step toward restoring safety in their neighborhoods.
Police have encouraged residents to stay alert and report any suspicious behaviour to security authorities. They emphasized that regular operations like this one are essential for reducing crime and improving public safety in Kampala.
Investigations into the suspects’ backgrounds are underway, and police say additional arrests are expected as the probe continues to expand.
Between January and June 2025, police in Kampala and surrounding areas carried out several major operations targeting drug abuse and street crime, resulting in hundreds of arrests.
A large operation on January 22–23, targeted crime hot spots such as Clock Tower, Good Shade, and Cooper Complex in central Kampala and a total of 80 suspects were detained for suspected narcotics use and related offenses.
On February 5, more than 25 people were arrested in Rubaga and Nansana. Five suspects were picked up in Rubaga, and 24 in Katooke A/B, Nansana. Police recovered marijuana and burglary tools, and linked some of the suspects to a known supplier.
March 31, another coordinated UPDF police operation led to the arrest of 60 suspects in Kitukutwe, Kidumpuli, and Bulindo, 37 individuals were apprehended, while a parallel sweep in Kagugube parish led to about 23 arrests. The focus was on crimes involving narcotics, particularly opium and khat.
Between April 8–9, a joint police and UPDF night raid happened in areas like Nakivubo Channel, New Taxi Park, Namayiba Bus Park, and Namungona and resulted in 42 arrests. Several suspects were linked to robbery and marijuana use.
Lastly on June 11–12, a two-day night operation across Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono led to the arrest of 99 suspects. This included 30 people in Kira Division found in possession of opium and marijuana, and 60 in Central Kampala detained for loitering and alleged drug-related offenses.
These operations reflect ongoing efforts by Ugandan security forces to crack down on drug-related crime and improve public safety in urban areas.
