KAMPALA — Police in the Kampala Metropolitan area have arrested a 27-year-old man in connection with a viral social media video that allegedly references criminal activities along the busy Jinja Road corridor and parts of Banda, in a case that has sparked renewed concern over the role of online platforms in amplifying crime-related content.
The suspect, identified as Wafula Solomon, a resident of Banda Zone III in Banda Parish, Nakawa Division, was picked up on June 25, 2026 at about 12:00 noon by officers from Banda Police Post.
His arrest follows the circulation of a widely shared video on X (formerly Twitter) and other platforms in which he allegedly appears to make references to criminal operations said to be taking place along Jinja Road and within Banda.
Police say the video quickly attracted attention, prompting intelligence-led inquiries aimed at verifying the claims made in it and identifying any individuals who may have been implicated or exposed by its contents.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police, the suspect is now being questioned not only about the circumstances under which the video was recorded, but also about whether he personally participated in, witnessed, or knowingly referenced ongoing criminal activity in the area.
“The suspect was arrested in connection with a viral video circulating on social media in which he appeared to make references to criminal activities allegedly taking place along Jinja Road and within Banda,” said ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the Deputy Public Relations Officer for Kampala Metropolitan Police.
Police have emphasized that the investigation is still at an early stage and that detectives are working to establish the authenticity of the claims made in the video, as well as the identities of other individuals allegedly mentioned in it.
A busy corridor under scrutiny
The focus of the investigation—Jinja Road—is one of Kampala’s most heavily trafficked transport and commercial arteries, linking the city centre to eastern Uganda.
The road and its surrounding neighbourhoods have in the past been flagged in isolated incidents involving theft, street crime, and other urban security challenges, though authorities frequently stress that most areas along the corridor remain generally secure.
The suspect’s residence area—Banda in Nakawa Division—is a densely populated urban settlement that sits close to key transport routes and commercial hubs. Police say such locations often require heightened vigilance due to population density and high movement of people.
Viral video triggers swift police response
Police sources indicate that the video in question began circulating earlier in the week, attracting rapid attention due to its alleged references to specific locations and unnamed individuals purportedly linked to criminal activity.
Although authorities have not publicly confirmed the accuracy of the claims made in the footage, they say the manner in which the content was presented raised concerns about possible incitement, misinformation, or unintended interference with ongoing security operations.
ASP Owoyesigyire warned that while social media remains a vital tool for public communication, it can also be misused to spread content that may endanger investigations or encourage unlawful behavior.
“Police would like to caution members of the public against producing, sharing, or circulating content that glorifies, promotes, or appears to endorse criminal activity,” he said. “Such conduct is not tolerated and may undermine ongoing efforts to combat crime and maintain public order.”
Wider investigation into alleged references
Beyond the arrest of Wafula Solomon, investigators are now pursuing leads linked to individuals allegedly mentioned or implied in the viral video. Police say they are working to verify whether any of those referenced have prior criminal records or are connected to active investigations involving incidents along Jinja Road and surrounding areas.
Authorities have not yet disclosed whether additional arrests are expected, but they confirmed that “appropriate action will be taken against anyone found to have participated in criminal activities.”
Security officials have increasingly expressed concern over the growing trend of individuals using social media platforms to narrate or dramatize alleged criminal networks without verification, a practice they say can complicate law enforcement efforts and potentially put lives at risk.
Balancing free expression and public safety
The case has also reignited debate around the boundaries between free expression and public safety in Uganda’s rapidly evolving digital space.
While citizens are legally entitled to share information online, police maintain that content which appears to promote or normalize criminal conduct can attract legal consequences, especially if it interferes with investigations or public order.
Legal experts note that such cases often hinge on intent, accuracy, and potential harm caused by the dissemination of the content. Investigators will therefore likely focus on whether the suspect intended to expose wrongdoing, sensationalize alleged criminal activity, or was directly involved in it.
What happens next
Wafula Solomon remains in custody as detectives continue interrogations and forensic review of the viral footage. Police say the video will undergo detailed analysis to determine its origin, authenticity, and whether it contains actionable intelligence or misleading claims.
The Kampala Metropolitan Police have reiterated their commitment to tackling urban crime while urging the public to cooperate responsibly with law enforcement agencies.
As investigations continue, authorities say further updates will be communicated once more facts are established, particularly regarding the individuals allegedly referenced in the video and any possible wider criminal network operating in the area.
For now, the case remains open—and closely watched in both security circles and on social media, where the viral video first ignited public attention and ultimately led to the suspect’s arrest.
