The Kampala drug crackdown has led to the arrest of 99 individuals following a series of intelligence-led operations across the metropolitan region. Police carried out these coordinated efforts in partnership with local leaders and community stakeholders, targeting drug abuse and petty crime in Kampala City, Wakiso, and Mukono districts.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, officers arrested 30 suspects in Najjera, Bulindo, and Shimon during focused raids on areas notorious for opium and marijuana abuse. They also detained 60 suspects from downtown Kampala, including hotspots like William Street, Top Pub, and the Old Taxi Park. In addition, the team captured nine more individuals from Kiwala Village in Mukono.
“These locations have long been associated with criminal activity,” Owoyesigyire noted. “Our aim was to disrupt these networks before they escalate further.”
Police recovered narcotic substances, primarily opium, during the operation. All suspects are now being held at different stations as authorities screen them for prosecution. Importantly, officers based their actions on prior intelligence and tips from the community, improving the effectiveness of the crackdown.
This latest Kampala drug crackdown reflects a broader trend. Uganda Police recently reported a 4.1% decline in crime, largely due to the Sub-county Policing Model that increases local enforcement. Nevertheless, urban centers continue to face challenges with drug-related crimes, which explains the need for continued surveillance and engagement.
Owoyesigyire urged citizens to remain vigilant and to report suspicious behavior promptly. He emphasized that lasting safety depends on consistent cooperation between the public and security agencies.
“We will keep working with communities to clean up these streets,” he said.
This operation signals a clear commitment to combating drug crime and restoring public trust in Kampala’s security systems.
