The Uganda Police Force has arrested 1,095 suspects during intensive intelligence-led operations conducted between February 16 and February 22, 2026, across Kampala Metropolitan and several upcountry regions.

Police said the week-long crackdown targeted burglary rings, aggravated robbery suspects, narcotics dealers, street mugging gangs and other habitual offenders operating in identified crime hotspots and hideouts.

“Between Monday 16 and Sunday 22 Feb 2026, Security agencies conducted intensive, intelligence‑led operations across Kampala Metropolitan and upcountry regions, resulting in the arrest of 1,095 suspects linked to burglary, aggravated robbery, narcotics, street mugging and other crimes”, police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said.

Over 700 Arrested in Kampala Metropolitan

According to police, daily operations were carried out in Kampala Metropolitan East, South and North, with a significant concentration of arrests in areas including Kira, Mukono, Kyanja, Bweyogerere, Nsangi, Nateete, Katwe and Entebbe.

More than 700 suspects were apprehended in Kampala Metropolitan East and South alone. In Entebbe’s Kiwafu Cell, 20 suspects were arrested, with four formally charged with aggravated robbery after being linked to a previous violent incident. A separate rapid response operation in Abaita Ababiri followed an online distress alert and led to the arrest of a key suspect.

Joint Security Operations Upcountry

In northern Uganda, joint security forces conducted coordinated operations in Gulu and Elegu Town Council, recovering 30 SIM cards, burglary implements and marijuana from suspects.

In the Savannah region districts of Luwero and Nakaseke, operations in town councils and cattle markets led to arrests connected to robbery and burglary cases. Police reported recovering a stolen motor vehicle and three bulls during one of the operations in Luwero.

Weapons, Narcotics and Stolen Property Recovered

Exhibits recovered during the crackdown included pangas and other dangerous weapons, breaking tools, narcotics, stolen motor vehicle parts and multiple SIM cards.

In the Nakawa and Lugogo traffic light areas, enforcement teams targeted suspects accused of vandalizing vehicles in traffic congestion, leading to the recovery of stolen items such as side mirrors.

Rescue Operation in Masindi

Beyond enforcement, Fire and Rescue Services successfully rescued a juvenile who had fallen into a pit in Masindi, underscoring the broader public safety role of security agencies.

Police attributed the success of the operations to community intelligence, complaints from residents, and collaboration with boda-boda riders, local leaders and other security agencies.

The Uganda Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations to disrupt criminal gangs, prevent night crime and ensure safer communities across the country.