NEWS– The police have started to heighten security against criminal gangs ahead of the festive season.
This has begun with a number of operations around the country against suspected criminal gangs in a bid to disrupt the gangs’ operations common as the country tends towards the festive season of Christmas and New Year.
According to police, these gangs gather and smoke narcotics before striking their victims who are usually pedestrians and they at times also attack homes and businesses.
On the 29th November 2024 between 9:00pm and 2:00 am, police and its sister agencies stormed the areas of Kireku railway zone, Bweyogerere central zone, Kakajo zone, Kirinya parish Bweyogerere Division and Mbalwa area Namugongo division Kira Municipality, Wakiso district and netted 38 suspects whom they found in possession of marijuana and breaking implements.
On the 28th November 2024 between the hours of 11: 00pm and 4: 00am police and its sister security agencies assisted by the wanainchi and local council officials conducted an operation in the areas of Kauga and Nantabulirwa in Goma Division in Mukono District that led to the apprehending of 25 suspects similarly with this group of suspects, marijuana was recovered from different black spots.
A similar operation was carried out on the same day (28 th November 2024) in the areas of Kasolo and Bugabwe trading centres in Iganga town and 23 suspects were arrested as some were found in possession of marijuana rolls and house breaking implements.
Police further carried out an operation in Bugiri municipality, Nkusi ward, Katawo cell Oboma street and central ward, Busowa town council in Bugiri district assisted by local leaders of the 28 November 2024 apprehending 30 suspects.
In addition to marijuana, police also seized jet fuel which she ( police) say is commonly inhaled by criminals as it is believed to have psychoactive and mind- altering effects.
On the 29 November, 2024 at police carried out an operation in areas of Katumba Zone and Kyanja central zone, Kyanja parish, Nakawa Division, Kampala city and there were specific bars and brothels that we targeted selling marijuana following the community’s raised concerns that prompted police’s response.
Police apprehended 40 individuals and seized quantities of marijuana.
On November 30,2024 police in Namayingo district conducted an operation in areas of Kifuyo trading centre, Buyinja sub-county. Five suspects (05) were netted with marijuana
On 1st December 2024 at around 11: 00pm, a joint operation by police and sister security agencies was conducted in areas of Katooke and Wamala cells, Wamala Ward, Nabweru Division, Nansana Municipality.
This operation was a follow up on the complaints from residents of the area about the panga welding men who maim and rob people, snatch phones and bags with the aid of motorcycles.
The operation netted eight suspects, three motorcycles and three mobile phones were recovered.