Six men were arrested in a security operation in the Kawempe suburbs of Kampala City on Wednesday night. The men were armed with axes and other weapons, and police believe they are linked to a series of house break-ins in the area.
The operation was conducted by the Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) following intelligence reports that the men were in possession of government stores, including police uniforms and breaking implements.
The suspects were arrested in the Muganda and Kidokolo zones of Ttula ward in Kawempe division. Police recovered a cache of weapons and other items from the men, including police and military uniforms, pangas, axes, and opium.
The suspects have been identified as Ramathan Ssekandi, Richard Sserugo, Siraj Ssenabulya, Bashir Mwagala, Brain Onen, and Samson Mpogoni. They have all been charged with being in possession of government stores and breaking implements.
The arrests come amid growing concerns about the security situation in Kampala. In recent months, there have been a number of high-profile robberies and burglaries in the city.
In one incident, a gang of men raided a home in Nakuwadde village, Wakiso district, and stole electronics worth 2.8 million shillings. The gang also raped a 20-year-old woman who was at the home.
Police are working to curb the rising crime rate in Kampala. In addition to the arrests made on Wednesday, police have also set up rapid response teams in zones to ensure that all robberies reported are promptly responded to.
So far, police have busted 52 criminal gangs since 2018.
The arrests of the six men is a major blow to the criminal gangs operating in Kampala. It is hoped that the arrests will send a strong message to criminals that they will not be tolerated.
The police are also appealing to the public to report any suspicious activity to the authorities. By working together, we can make Kampala a safer city for everyone.