Police in Old Kampala have arrested eight suspects following investigations into a viral social media video in which a group of men allegedly boast about attacking members of the public and threatening medical practitioners.

The arrests were made on Tuesday, September 8, during an intelligence-led operation at Gojo Gym in Namungona, Lubya Parish, Rubaga Division, Kampala District, according to the Uganda Police Force.

Police said four of the eight suspects arrested are allegedly among the individuals seen in the video, which shows a group of about six people claiming responsibility for attacks on members of the public.

According to police, the individuals in the video allegedly claim to have assaulted several victims, leaving some with broken jaws and teeth. They are also accused of demanding a share of money earned by dentists treating people allegedly injured in the attacks and threatening medical practitioners who refuse to comply.

Police said preliminary investigations indicate that the gym was allegedly being used as a meeting point by the suspects under the guise of boxing training. Investigators suspect the group could be linked to a range of violent criminal activities, including robbery, housebreaking, theft, phone snatching, the use of deadly weapons and unlawful possession of narcotic substances.

The suspects arrested were identified by police as Matiti Mohammed, also known as “Beast-commander”; Nurudin Kasule, also known as “2 I/C”; Umar Mubiru; Lukooya Adams; Kiyimba Martin; Alinda Yosam Junior; Walumu James; and Elvis Simanya.

Police said the last four suspects were found at the gym during the operation, with some allegedly found in possession of suspected narcotic substances.

All eight suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue and await court proceedings.

Police said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to identify and apprehend other individuals allegedly appearing in the viral video and establish whether they were involved in the reported offences.

Authorities have also appealed to members of the public with information about the suspects or possible victims of the alleged attacks to come forward and assist investigators.

The arrests come as police continue to use intelligence-led operations to investigate suspected criminal networks operating in different parts of Kampala. However, the allegations against the arrested individuals remain subject to investigation and due process before any determination of criminal responsibility is made.