More than 70 suspected criminals have been arrested in a joint security swoop in Mbale city.

The suspects who were arrested on Friday were picked from Half London, Mooni, Senior quarters, and Nkonkonjeru by the police and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces-UPDF soldiers under the command of Samiel Abed Aliria, the Mbale District Police Commander.

Rogers Taitika, Elgon Region Police Spokesperson says that the operation was prompted by complaints from residents and business people operating in the city, about broad daylight criminality in the area.

Ahamadi Washaki, Mbale Resident City Commissioner says that the operation will continue since they want to get rid of criminals in the city.

According to Washaki, there are multiple security cases reported in the city but tracking the criminals has been a challenge.

One of the victims, Vincent Wambi, a phone accessories dealer in Mbale city says he was attacked and robbed of 850,000 Shillings around Half London on October 5th.

“As I was almost reaching home at around 11:45pm, a group of more than 6 unknown men grabbed me and took the wallet which had money,” Wambi said.

The operation comes days after another that led to the arrest of 17 people for allegedly cultivating and selling marijuana in the city.

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