Bugweri Crackdown: 18 Suspects Arrested as Robber Bites Police Officer’s Ear During Operation
BUGWERI, Uganda — Police in Bugweri District have arrested 18 suspected criminals following an intelligence-led overnight operation targeting notorious gangs linked to rising cases of robbery, phone snatching, and related crimes.
The operation, conducted in Idudi A, Idudi B, and Idudi C in the early hours of Sunday, April 5, 2026, focused on dismantling criminal groups commonly known as Fangone Forest and Gaza gangs. The raid ran from midnight until 5:30 a.m., according to authorities.
Busoga East Regional Police spokesperson ASP Michael Kasadha confirmed the arrests, noting that the operation turned violent when one suspect, identified as Mulondo Jamada, attempted to attack the Officer in Charge (OC) of Bugweri, ASP Robert Nagolo, using a panga. Police managed to subdue the suspect, but during the struggle, Jamada allegedly bit off part of the officer’s left ear.
The suspect has since been charged with attempted murder, police said.
In a separate development, two suspects — Kaziba Salim and Muwaya Twahili — were arrested after being found in the company of female juveniles aged 17 and 13. Authorities confirmed that both suspects have been charged with defilement. The minors were rescued and taken for medical examination.
Police also recovered several exhibits during the operation, including a Uganda flag, a Fangone Forest gang flag, seven suspected stolen smartphones, and a 32-inch television set. Investigations into the recovered items and the broader criminal network are ongoing.
Authorities say the operation is part of intensified efforts to restore security in Bugweri and surrounding areas amid growing public concern over crime.
