Police has arrested 95 suspects in a series of security operations carried out in Kira Municipality and the Kira Road policing areas as authorities move to deal with rising crime and drug abuse.
Police said the operations were launched after residents complained about criminals who have been disturbing their communities.
“In a bid to curb crime in the city and following concerns by members of the public about criminals terrorizing neighbourhoods, the Uganda Police Force, together with sister security agencies and local leaders, has conducted a series of disruptive operations targeting criminal hotspots in Kira Municipality and surrounding areas,” police said.
The first operation was conducted on February 3, 2026, in Kireka Railway, Kamuli, Kyaliwajjala Market and Naalya in Namugongo Division. Police said 62 people were arrested and suspected opium was recovered.
“After joint screening, 39 suspects were arraigned before court on 5th February 2026 on charges related to possession of narcotic substances,” police stated.
A day later, on February 4, police carried out another operation in Kulambiro–Kyanja, Tubba and Kisaasi under the Kira Road policing area. The suspects targeted were people police say use drugs and later attack residents.
“The operation targeted suspects who smoke opium in hideouts and later engage in snatching bags and phones and waylaying members of the public at night,” police said, adding that 19 suspects were arrested and are being held at Kira Road Police Division.
Police said the most recent operation was conducted on February 9 in Mulawa and Nsasa, where crime had reportedly increased.
“Fourteen suspects were arrested, and quantities of suspected narcotic substances were recovered from makeshift structures where they were found,” police said.
The suspects are currently detained at Kira Police Station as investigations continue.
In total, police said 95 suspects have been arrested so far, with several already taken to court.“These operations are part of ongoing efforts to disrupt criminal gangs, drug abuse and related street crime in the affected areas,” police said.
Police thanked residents for working with security teams and asked the public to keep sharing information. “Every report received helps us to plan and conduct targeted operations to keep our communities safe,” police said.
Police also provided hotlines for the public to report criminal activity: 0800 199 699, 0714 667 743 and 0776 999 136.