A surge in petty and violent crime is sweeping across the Kampala Metropolitan Policing (KMP) area, with Police naming emerging hotspots amid rising public anxiety over house break-ins, number plate thefts, coordinated robberies, and brutal murders that have shaken residents and sparked outrage on social media.
From residential neighbourhoods to entertainment centres, criminal gangs are increasingly targeting homes, parking yards, and unsuspecting members of the public leaving banks. Security agencies say this reflects an evolution of urban crime networks operating across Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono districts.
Police data and intelligence reports indicate that most complaints over the past three months have originated from Kira Division, Kyengera in Wakiso District, and the stretch from Sonde to Wantoni in Mukono, among other areas. The crimes range from theft of vehicle number plates at homes and recreation spots to burglary, violent robbery, and murders linked to organised gangs.
The renewed wave of insecurity has triggered intensified police operations, leading to the arrest of at least 250 suspects in joint security crackdowns targeting suspected criminal hideouts and narcotics hubs.
Public Outcry After Brutal Killings
The spike in crime has alarmed residents and business owners, many of whom have taken to social media platforms to demand stronger policing and faster response to incidents.
Public anger intensified following the killing of Pamela Tumwebaze, Dean of Students at Uganda Christian University, and the brutal double murder at Dave Hotel and Suites.
Police confirmed that a key suspect in Tumwebaze’s murder, identified as Hussein Dak Taewaiko, was arrested in Budaka District. KMP spokesperson Racheal Kawala said the suspect was found in possession of the deceased’s property, including her phone, which investigators believe provides critical evidence.
“The Joint Security Task Team investigating the murder of Tumwebaze has successfully arrested one of the key suspects. Preliminary findings indicate that he was a former house help to the deceased,” Kawala said, adding that investigations are ongoing.
Police also announced a breakthrough in the investigation into the killing of hotel manager Shivan Asasira and security guard Lawrence Musinguzi at Dave Hotel and Suites. Operatives from the Crime Intelligence Directorate, headed by Christopher Damulira, arrested Alex Sempala and Phillip Kayondo at a garage in Namungoona.
The suspects were allegedly found with a stolen white Toyota Harrier belonging to the victims. Sources said Sempala confessed that the motive was to steal the vehicle and sell it to clear an Shs8 million debt.
Nun Robbed of Shs30 Million
In a related incident, a Catholic nun was robbed of Shs30 million meant for school fees for children at an orphanage after withdrawing the money from a city bank on Friday afternoon.
Police said the attackers trailed the nun from the bank in the city centre on motorcycles before assaulting her and stealing the cash in Namugongo. By press time, one suspect, identified as Ssentamu alias Commander Ssentamu, had been arrested as investigations continue to track down his accomplices.
The case highlights the resurgence of boda boda gangs that trail victims from banks and attack them at isolated locations.
Security Meeting, CCTV Boost
In response, KMP Commander Richard Ecega yesterday summoned officers in charge of Kampala Metropolitan East (Jinja Road to Mukono) to a security meeting at the Uganda Manufacturers Association Hall. The focus, according to Police, was on preventing crime rather than merely responding to incidents.
Key strategies discussed included increased use of intelligence, community policing, improved work ethics, and maximising the use of closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance.
Police recently announced that real-time integration of surveillance systems with ground patrol teams has enhanced crime detection and suspect tracking. According to the Force, 71 CCTV cameras have been installed in strategic locations, while the national CCTV system has supported 2,121 investigations.
Night Operations in Crime Hotspots
On Sunday, Police conducted coordinated disruptive operations targeting emerging hotspots and criminal hideouts in Wakiso District and surrounding urban centres.
Kawala said the operations, carried out between 8:00pm and 1:30am, focused on areas under Nsangi Policing Division, including Kyengera, Kazinga, Nabaziza, Wakimese, Masanda, Kinaawa, Kikajjo, Kasenge, and Nakasozi.
“The operations targeted identified hotspots, marijuana smoking points, and blackspots associated with violent and petty crime. A total of 80 suspects were arrested during the exercise,” she said.
The suspects are being screened and processed to establish their involvement in various criminal activities.
In a similar operation, Police in Kajjansi carried out night raids in Akright Estate and Kinyarwanda at about 11:00pm following growing community concern over phone snatching, theft of vehicle number plates, burglaries, and related crimes. Fifteen suspects were arrested and charged.
Yesterday morning, Police in Nateete conducted another operation targeting Busega Zone 8, Mosoke Zone, Kabaawo, Busega Central C, and Kibumbiro areas, arresting 71 suspects over petty crime and drug-related offences.
Deputy KMP spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire said a joint night operation in Bulindo-Katuli Zone and Buwate Ghetto under Kira Division led to the arrest of 27 suspects found with suspected narcotic substances.
Similarly, in Nsangi Police Division, another operation in Kyengera Central, Nabaziza, Masanda, and Kinawa resulted in the arrest of 32 suspects linked to phone and bag snatching during rush hours.
Owoyesigyire said the operations would continue to restore public confidence and curb criminal activity.
Murders Reported Upcountry
Security agencies are also investigating murders in other regions. In Kyankwanzi District, unknown attackers armed with sharp objects killed a couple in their home, leaving behind two young children.
In Sironko District, a young woman was found strangled in a banana plantation after reportedly receiving a phone call from an unidentified man.
Police Assure Public
Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma, speaking on social media platform X, acknowledged growing public concern and assured residents that intelligence and operational units had been activated.
“We acknowledge the growing concern about these incidents. Our teams are working tirelessly to bring the criminals to book in the identified hotspots,” he said.
Kituuma urged members of the public to share information through Police hotlines and cooperate with security agencies. The toll-free numbers are 0800 199 699 and 0800 121 222 (fire emergencies). Additional contacts include 0707 600 773 and 0776 999 136.
As security operations intensify, residents across the Kampala metropolitan area remain on edge, hoping that the sweeping crackdowns will restore safety and deter the increasingly bold criminal networks.
