More than 50 suspected panga-wielding criminals are in police custody following a series of intelligence-led operations targeting violent robbery gangs across the Kampala Metropolitan area.
The coordinated operations were conducted in several crime-prone locations, including Kikajjo Zone in Namasuba Parish, Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality in Wakiso District, as well as Mukono Central, Namumira, Ngandu Village, Bajjo, Ntinda, Nyenje, Seeta, Goma, Kakiri, and surrounding areas.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala, one of the operations, launched after a tip-off from residents, led to the arrest of 13 suspected gang members in Katwe. Police believe the group has been behind a string of violent robberies in Makindye and other parts of Kampala Metropolitan, where victims were attacked using pangas.
The suspects have been identified as Yacob Bubegeye, Jokana Ssebyonjo, Kamad Mutenyo, Innocent Wamoya, Ben Masaba, Abu Wandera, Nathan Waniale, Emma Mugobera, Ramadan Mafabi, Innocent Nahabwe, Ashrif Webyoya, Moris Webisa, and Seezi Chagamui. Kawala said two of the suspects, Nathan Waniale and Emma Mugobera, were found in possession of three pangas and have been charged with possession of dangerous weapons.
The remaining 11 suspects have been charged with public nuisance as investigations continue. In a separate intelligence-led operation conducted across Mukono Central, Namumira, Ngandu Village, Bajjo, Ntinda, Nyenje, Seeta, Goma, Kakiri, and other identified crime hotspots, police arrested an additional 52 suspects.
They are currently held in custody pending their appearance in court. “We urge residents to continue working with the police by providing timely information, remaining vigilant, and reporting any suspicious individuals to the nearest police station,” Kawala said.
The latest crackdown is part of an ongoing campaign by Kampala Metropolitan Police to curb the recent surge in violent robberies across Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono districts. Police say that many of the attacks have been linked to youth gangs operating in areas such as Kikajjo, Seeta, Ngandu, and Ntinda.
The groups are accused of targeting pedestrians and boda boda riders, particularly at night, using pangas and knives. According to police, the intelligence-led operations are intended to dismantle these criminal networks, recover illegal weapons, and enhance public safety.
Authorities have also intensified collaboration with local leaders and community members, encouraging them to share information that could lead to the arrest of suspected criminals and help prevent further attacks-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
