By Ben Musanje
In a major crackdown on criminal activities, the Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) arrested over 200 suspects during a series of coordinated operations carried out across the city’s key divisions between November 3 and 4, 2025.
The operations targeted notorious criminal gangs involved in phone snatching, drug trafficking, and violent crime, including opium use, which had increasingly plagued various neighborhoods.
The police raids, which spanned Old Kampala, Kira Road, Nansana, Jinja Road, and Kajjansi, were a direct response to public concerns over rising criminality, and were hailed as a decisive move to restore order to Kampala’s streets.
Old Kampala Division: 75 Suspects Arrested in Night Raid
The first major operation took place in Old Kampala on November 3, with police and local leaders launching a coordinated raid targeting criminal hotbeds in the Wagaba Zone, Kisenyi, Usafi, and surrounding areas.
The operation, which ran from 8:30 PM to 2:00 AM, resulted in the arrest of 75 individuals.
These suspects were apprehended for various offenses, including drug possession, robbery, and being in possession of dangerous weapons.
Among those arrested were individuals linked to violent robberies and the illegal trade of opium.
Police also recovered significant amounts of illicit drugs during the operation, including opium, which has been linked to the increasing criminal activities in the area.
The arrested individuals were transferred to Old Kampala Police Station and surrounding posts for further screening and legal processing.
Kira Road Division: Opium and Robbery Ring Busted
The following day, on November 4, Kira Road Police launched an operation targeting opium-smoking hotspots and areas where robbers often target unsuspecting passersby.
The raid, which took place in Ntinda, led to the arrest of 13 suspects, all of whom were found to be involved in the abuse and trafficking of narcotic substances.
Police sources confirmed that the operation was part of a broader strategy to eliminate criminal activity along major bypasses where residents had complained of increased attacks and theft.
Officers seized illegal drugs during the operation, and the suspects were charged with drug possession and other related crimes.
Nansana Division: 34 Arrested for Drug Possession and Theft
In Nansana, another high-impact operation was conducted on the night of November 3, focusing on areas plagued by phone snatching and burglaries, including Nabweru, Kiwogo, and Ganda.
The operation, led by police and local intelligence teams, resulted in the arrest of 34 individuals, many of whom were caught in possession of narcotics such as opium and marijuana.
The suspects, believed to be part of local criminal gangs, were involved in low-level robberies and assaults, which had contributed to a sense of insecurity in the area.
Police recovered a variety of narcotic substances, which had been fueling the rise in criminal activities.
The arrested individuals were charged with possession of illegal drugs and other criminal offenses.
Jinja Road Division: Police Target Opium Black Spots
On November 4, Jinja Road Police conducted a joint operation with local defense forces in the Nakawa Division, targeting known black spots in Katoogo and Kago areas notorious for criminal gatherings and opium use.
During the operation, 16 men were arrested for drug possession and public nuisance, as they were found smoking opium in the area.
Police officials confirmed that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to disrupt drug-related crime rings operating in Kampala’s underbelly. The arrested suspects were detained and are being processed for court hearings.
Kajjansi Division: Crackdown on Robbery and Drug Abuse
In Kajjansi, police carried out a similar operation on the evening of November 3, focusing on the high-crime areas of Bweya, Jjanyi, and Kitende.
These areas had become notorious for early morning thefts, where criminals would rob unsuspecting victims of their phones and personal belongings.
During the raid, police arrested 21 suspects, including several believed to be involved in narcotic trafficking.
A haul of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, including 289 marijuana folded sticks, was seized. Police also recovered stolen goods, including mobile phones, and a panga suspected of being used in robberies.
The suspects were charged with various offenses, including possession of narcotics and theft.
Police Chief Vows Continued Crackdown
The police operations, which disrupted the activities of several criminal networks, have been hailed as a significant success.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson SSP Patrick Onyango emphasized that these operations were just the beginning of a sustained effort to combat crime and drug abuse in Kampala.
“These operations are part of our ongoing commitment to ensure the safety and security of our citizens,” said Onyango. “We will continue to conduct intelligence-led operations to root out criminal gangs and drug dealers from our communities.”
Despite the success, police have warned that the fight is far from over. Criminal groups, many of whom rely on drugs like opium to fuel their activities, are expected to regroup.
However, the police remain confident that their strategic approach, including intelligence sharing and close cooperation with local communities, will continue to reduce crime rates in the city.
A Step Toward a Safer Kampala
As the operation winds down, Kampala residents are cautiously optimistic about the increased security.
While the arrests have brought a temporary sense of relief, many believe that lasting safety will depend on continued police vigilance and community involvement.
For now, the streets of Kampala are quieter, and the public is hopeful that the successful raids will serve as a deterrent to criminals.
With more operations planned, the Kampala Metropolitan Police are sending a clear message: they are determined to keep the city safe from the growing threat of criminality and drug abuse.
