Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | A Kampala Metropolitan Police swoop on several suburbs of the city ahead of the Christmas Festive Season entered day three Thursday, with 146 arrested.
Those picked up are suspected to be involved in cases of robbery, counterfeiting and drug abuse,muggings, pick pocketing on streets and in traffic jam and vehicle vandalism.
The ongoing operation in which several suspects have been arrested, screened by local leaders and elders was commanded by Kampala Metropolitan Police Commander and Commissioner of Police Moses Kabugo Kafeero. Only 38 were released after the initial screening.
While the previous “clean-up” exercise was focused on major criminal black-spots of Market Street, Platinum House, Allen Road, Nakivubo Channel, Kinyamwandu, Nabugabo, today’s operation focused on areas of Makindye, Ndeeba, Kinyoro, Kisenyi, Katwe,Kiseeka, Kikoni, Kasubi, Kawala and Nakulabye.
According to a statement from the Metropolitan Police, “These pre-Christmas operations are systematically geared towards controlling key black spots around the city that are often used in harboring criminals and their activities.”
Kampala Metropolitan Police Commander Kafeero said that the ongoing efforts by police in Kampala sends a very clear warning message to offenders that security agencies shall not be winding down for Christmas .
“Throughout these remaining months towards Christmas Season, police shall be carrying out a series of high-profile days of action aimed at disrupting criminal activities and keeping the good people of Kampala safe during the festive period,” he said.