BY BICHOLIN K MUSISI

Kampala, Uganda | In a major sweep targeting crime hotspots, Wandegeya Police arrested 47 individuals in an intelligence-led operation conducted on July 9, 2025, in the densely populated areas of Kafero, Lower Nsooba, Kalerwe, and Katanga. The suspects were charged with possession of narcotic drugs under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, 2015.

The operation, which began around 8:30 pm, was part of an ongoing strategy by the Uganda Police Force to curb drug-related offences and enhance public safety in crime-prone neighborhoods. According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SSP Patrick Onyango, the suspects were apprehended without resistance and police maintained a high level of professionalism throughout.

“These areas have been flagged in previous police reports as high-risk zones for drug trafficking, consumption, and associated crimes such as robbery and assault. Our teams conducted a coordinated sweep, resulting in the arrest of 47 individuals. They will be prosecuted accordingly,” SSP Onyango stated.

Recent data from the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2024 revealed that over 2,100 drug-related cases were registered across the country, with Kampala Metropolitan region accounting for over 35% of all narcotics arrests. Cannabis remains the most commonly abused drug, followed by heroin and cocaine, with many trafficked through informal settlements like Katanga and Kalerwe.

A report by the Uganda Harm Reduction Network also notes that at least 22% of urban youth aged 15–30 in informal settlements have experimented with narcotics, fueling a rise in drug-induced crime and mental health concerns.

Police say operations like the one in Wandegeya are crucial in dismantling local drug networks and restoring community confidence. SSP Onyango emphasized the role of community intelligence in ensuring successful operations, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.

The suspects are being held at Wandegeya Police Station pending court appearance. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to conducting regular targeted operations as part of wider efforts to enforce the law and protect the public from drug-related harms.