Police Arrest Eight Suspects in Jinja Road Anti-Crime Operation in Kampala

Police at Jinja Road Division have arrested eight suspects during an early morning anti-crime operation targeting theft and phone snatching incidents along one of Kampala’s busiest corridors.

The operation was conducted on May 28, 2026, between 5:00am and 9:00am in several areas including Wampewo, Punjan, the former Electoral Commission offices, and around the Jinja Road traffic lights in Kampala Central Division.

According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Racheal Kawala, the crackdown was launched following increasing complaints from members of the public over rampant phone snatching, theft of vehicle side mirrors, and related crimes targeting motorists and pedestrians along Jinja Road.

“Police carried out the operation in response to numerous complaints from members of the public regarding rampant theft and related criminal activities along Jinja Road,” SP Kawala said.

Preliminary investigations indicate that some of the arrested suspects had allegedly been disguising themselves as vendors and hawkers while carrying out criminal activities in the area.

“Some of the suspects were disguising themselves as vendors and hawkers while conducting criminal activities within the area,” Kawala added.

Police confirmed that the suspects have since been charged and are awaiting court appearance.

Authorities further revealed that similar intelligence-led operations will continue across Kampala Metropolitan Police areas as part of ongoing efforts to combat urban crime, improve public safety, and restore confidence among city residents and road users.

The latest crackdown comes amid heightened police operations targeting criminal gangs accused of terrorising pedestrians, motorists, and business operators within Kampala and surrounding areas.