Police in the Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) region conducted a large security operation on the night of March 9, 2026, targeting several areas believed to be major crime hotspots. The coordinated crackdown was aimed at disrupting places where suspected criminals gather to plan illegal activities and threaten the safety of residents.
The operation involved joint teams from the Uganda Police Force working together with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces. The exercise was supervised by different Divisional Police Commanders and Operations Commanders who oversaw activities in their respective policing areas across the metropolitan region.
Security teams carried out the operations in several locations including Kira, Kajjansi, Wandegeya, Kakiri, Matugga, Kira Road and parts of the Central Business District Kampala among others. These places were identified by security agencies as black spots where criminals often gather to smoke narcotic substances, gamble, and plan crimes such as phone snatching, burglaries and robberies.
According to police, the night operation led to the arrest of more than 150 suspects who were found in different black spots across the targeted areas. Security officers also recovered several items believed to be connected to criminal activities. Among the exhibits seized were marijuana, suspected narcotic substances, knives, playing cards and other materials that are commonly used during illegal activities.
Police said that several cases have already been opened at different police stations where the suspects were taken. The individuals arrested are currently undergoing screening, statement recording and other procedures as investigators prepare files that may lead to court charges.
Preliminary findings from the operation suggest that many of the suspects regularly gather in these locations where they first engage in gambling and drug use before later moving out to commit crimes against unsuspecting members of the public.
Authorities say the operations are part of a wider strategy aimed at reducing crime and improving security in the Kampala Metropolitan area. Police leadership emphasized that similar disruptive operations will continue in different parts of the city to ensure that criminal groups are dismantled and residents feel safer.
Kampala Metropolitan Police have also encouraged members of the public to continue cooperating with security agencies by sharing information about suspicious activities in their communities. Officials say public support remains crucial in helping security teams identify and deal with criminal elements.
More updates are expected as investigations continue, according to Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Public Relations Officer Luke Owoyesigyire.
