A security swoop has led to the arrest of more than 70 suspected criminals in the Kampala Metropolitan area as security forces intensify their operations ahead of Christmas. The suspects were picked up from Kisenyi, Old Kampala, Katwe, and Mengo areas in a joint security operation involving police and the army.

The Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire, says that some of the suspects are in custody at the Old Kampala police division. He says that the operations are intended to ensure criminals that often target city dwellers, as well as traders doing shopping or selling merchandise, are nabbed in advance.

Soldiers patrolling the city alongside police are part of the Tokora operations commanded by Col Fred Mwesigye. Senior security sources have intimated to URN that the Kampala Metropolitan police leadership held meetings with their military and intelligence counterparts to ensure joint operations deliver a peaceful period.

It said that Col Mwesigye has received 400 more soldiers and has since asked all police commanders in need of manpower enforcement to alert him. UPDF Spokesperson, Brig Gen Felix Kulayigye, said a plan has been finalized to support the police in ensuring Ugandans enjoy a peaceful festive period.

Brig Gen Kulayigye declined to divulge the number of soldiers deployed in KMP but says the military deployments have been effected in various parts of the central region because of the high rates of crime.

Clare Nabakka, the Deputy Police Spokesperson says that security commanders have already started combined military and police deployments. She says that the commanders are also engaging leaders of various communities like traders, transporters, and local councils to forge a way forward for minimizing criminality.

Nabakka has warned the public, especially traders against carrying a lot of money in cash since it attracts criminals.  Security has urged the public to use safer ways like mobile money, and withdraw money at ATMs in their respective areas.