(Hoima) – Police in Hoima have detained 18 individuals suspected of feigning mental illness as part of a crackdown aimed at addressing rising security concerns in the city. The operation was prompted by intelligence reports suggesting that some people may be disguising themselves as mentally ill to engage in criminal activities. The authorities have said they are working to separate genuine cases of mental illness from those who are exploiting the situation for illegal purposes.
Hoima City’s Resident Commissioner, Badru Mugabi, explained that there had been a noticeable increase in the number of people appearing mentally unstable, with many lacking clear origins or records. Mugabi said the arrested individuals were taken to the Hoima Regional Referral Hospital’s psychiatric clinic for evaluation. Those found to be pretending would face police charges, while those genuinely suffering from mental health issues would receive appropriate medical care. Some may even be referred to hospitals in Kampala for further treatment if necessary.
The operation, which began early on Monday, was part of a broader security initiative to address the growing concern over the number of mentally ill individuals who may also be involved in criminal activity. Mugabi pointed out that the rise in mental health issues, particularly among the youth, has been linked to drug abuse, which has worsened the situation.
“We have ve observed a worrying increase in mental illness, especially among young people due to substance abuse,” Mugabi said, urging young people to avoid drugs. His statement reflected growing concern over the impact of drugs on the mental well being of the youth in the region.
The operation faced logistical challenges, as the psychiatric clinic at Hoima Regional Hospital, which can accommodate only 40 patients, was already nearly full. On the day of the operation, the clinic had 25 patients, and the addition of 18 more individuals raised concerns about overcrowding. To manage this, the authorities have planned to conduct the operation in phases to avoid overloading the facility.
Julius Hakiza, the spokesperson for the Albertine Region Police, confirmed the details of the operation and stressed the need to act quickly to ensure the safety of Hoima’s residents. “This operation is part of a larger security initiative led by the District Security Committee. We must make sure that Hoima remains a safe place for everyone,” Hakiza said.
