During the Christmas and Boxing Day festivities, Kampala Metropolitan Police ramped up their security operations, resulting in the arrest of more than 240 individuals linked to various crimes. These operations targeted high-risk areas such as music events, churches, and busy public spaces often exploited by criminals.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango confirmed that many suspects were caught red-handed, preying on revelers attending concerts and religious gatherings. These offenders often capitalized on the holiday chaos, stealing from distracted individuals in crowded environments.
One significant operation on Boxing Day night led to the arrest of 14 young men attempting to infiltrate a popular music show in Kiwatule. Officers from Jinja Road Police Station acted on intelligence from the community to apprehend the suspects, who are believed to be members of a notorious gang operating in the Kinawatule area.
“This gang has been a menace at music shows for months,” Onyango stated. “We acted swiftly on tips about their hideouts and intercepted them before they could strike. They typically wait for crowds to thin out before targeting victims.”
In a separate operation in Abayita Ababiri near Entebbe, police arrested a suspected gang leader, Lubega Shafick, alias “Dog-City.” Lubega, the alleged mastermind of a criminal syndicate operating during holiday periods, was detained on Christmas Day in an intelligence-led operation.
“Lubega’s gang has been behind a series of robberies in Entebbe,” Onyango revealed. “He had been recruiting new members and evading capture for months, but we finally apprehended him. Some of his key associates were arrested earlier, making this a significant breakthrough.”
While these arrests marked major successes, other incidents marred the holiday season. Among the reported crimes were cases of gun violence, assaults, and suicides. In a particularly shocking incident, Pastor Clifford Ssenyonjo of Ebenezer Ministries in Kajansi shot and injured Allan Muyimbwa during a domestic dispute. Police allege that the altercation stemmed from Ssenyonjo’s objections to Muyimbwa’s relationship with his daughter. The pastor is currently in custody at Katwe Police Station, facing charges of attempted murder.
Tragedy also struck in Nakawa Division, where a 42-year-old night watchman, identified only as “John,” took his life on Christmas Day. Police reports indicate that John had recently confided in his brother about financial struggles and feelings of despair. Despite his family’s support, he ended his life while on duty.
Another distressing trend during the celebrations was the disappearance of children. Police recovered eight children who had gone missing at various music events. These children, separated from their parents amidst the crowds, were later placed under the care of the Central Police Station in Kampala.
Police Spokesperson Kituma Rusoke assured the public that a detailed report on national crime statistics during the festive season would soon be released. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to track down remaining suspects involved in recent criminal activities.
As the holiday season concludes, Kampala Metropolitan Police have demonstrated their resolve to protect citizens, even in the face of heightened criminal activity.
