The police in Mukono have arrested twelve individuals suspected of being part of a criminal gang involved in house-breaking and robbery. This operation was conducted early Thursday morning, October 10, as part of efforts to enhance security in the area.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango reported that the suspects are believed to be members of a notorious gang terrorizing residents in Kyungu cell, located in the Nsuube Kauga ward of Mukono Central Division. The police operation was launched based on credible intelligence gathered from reliable sources.
Among those arrested is a Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) soldier named Michael Ndeke, 37, who is attached to Uganda Railways Corporation. Another suspect, 26-year-old Max Opio, is employed as a wheel loader operator at Namanve Industrial Park.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the suspects use various tools to carry out their crimes, including master keys, wires, knives, pangas, and small axes. These items are typically employed to gain unauthorized entry into homes.
The police reported that the suspects were residing in a makeshift house and are currently detained at Mukono Police Station for further investigation. Onyango emphasized the police’s commitment to restoring peace in the community through the prosecution of the suspects and ongoing operations aimed at eliminating criminal elements.
In addition to immediate arrests, the police are implementing improved community engagement and security measures to prevent future incidents.
A recent study highlighted the increasing urban insecurity in Kampala, noting that the city’s growing population contributes to the proliferation of slums and informal settlements, which can foster criminal activity. The study, conducted by Dr. Barbara Alungant, revealed that common crimes in the area include theft, drug abuse, forgery, domestic violence, murder, cybercrimes, and terrorism. These challenges are exacerbated by logistical difficulties faced by the Uganda Police Force in managing the rising crime rate.
