By Bicholin K Musisi;

Police have recovered a firearm loaded with four rounds of ammunition following an attempted aggravated robbery targeting a mobile money operator in Bugolobi.

According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Public Relations Officer, Luke Owoyesigyire, the suspect who was armed with the gun had concealed it in a polythene bag before attempting the robbery.

“The suspect, who was armed with a gun concealed in a polythene bag, fled on a motorcycle after the attempted robbery failed,” Owoyesigyire said.

He added that boda boda riders pursued the suspect and alerted police patrol teams along Old Port Bell Road.

“Upon noticing the approaching police officers, the suspects abandoned the firearm and escaped. The gun, loaded with four rounds of ammunition, was recovered near the Ministry of Internal Affairs and secured as an exhibit,” he said.

Police said a scene of crime team examined the area and investigations are ongoing to identify the suspects and the motorcycle used in the incident.

Owoyesigyire said the recovery of the firearm came as police conducted a series of disruptive operations across several divisions in Kampala Metropolitan targeting criminals involved in phone snatching, drug abuse, robberies, and related crimes.

The operations were conducted in Wandegeya, Kira Road, Nansana, Kirinya, and Jinja Road policing areas following intelligence reports and public concerns about increasing criminal activities in identified black spots.

During an operation in Old Mulago and Lower Nsoba under Wandegeya Police Division, 16 suspects were arrested for wandering about with intent to commit crime.

“The suspects were found loitering in the area late at night, with some unable to properly identify themselves, while others were found abusing drugs and gambling,” Owoyesigyire said.

In another operation conducted in Mawanda Road and Kamwokya under Kira Road Police Division, eight suspects believed to be involved in phone snatching and drug abuse were arrested from known black spots.

Police also arrested 10 male suspects in Nansana Police Division during an operation targeting hardened criminals. The suspects were found in possession of suspected narcotics.

Similarly, in Kirinya and surrounding areas of Kito A, Kito B, Namataba, and Kirinya Main, eight suspects were arrested during an operation targeting criminals involved in bag snatching, assaults on members of the public, house break-ins, and burglaries.

Owoyesigyire said the suspects were found in possession of suspected narcotics and the recovered exhibits have been handed over to the Criminal Investigations Department for further management.

“All 42 suspects arrested are currently undergoing screening, investigation, and documentation before being arraigned in court,” he said.

He added that police operations will continue across the Kampala Metropolitan area to dismantle criminal networks and ensure the safety and security of the public.

Owoyesigyire also urged the public to support security efforts.

“Police also urge members of the public to continue sharing information that can help in the fight against crime,” he said.