The Uganda Police Force has pushed back against claims that crime has “taken over” the country, saying security agencies are making measurable progress in disrupting criminal networks, recovering illegal firearms and resolving high-profile murder cases, particularly in the Kampala Metropolitan Policing (KMP) area.
In a statement shared by the Director of Crime Intelligence, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Christopher Damulira, police acknowledged public concern over rising reports of mugging, robberies and violent incidents, especially those circulating on social media, but said the broader security picture shows steady gains in crime prevention and investigation.
“It is not true that crime has taken over. Certainly it hasn’t,” Damulira said, noting that while incidents of mugging at traffic junctions and long traffic jams have been reported, police operations are steadily dismantling criminal gangs responsible for violent crime.
Guns Recovered, Suspects Linked to Robberies and Murders
Police revealed that between January 20 and 24, 2026, security teams recovered four submachine guns (SMGs) in the KMP area and arrested nine suspects. Forensic analysis has since linked the recovered firearms to 30 cases of aggravated robbery recorded between June 2025 and January 2026.
According to Damulira, the recoveries have had an immediate impact.
“Since these recoveries were made, KMP has not registered a single gun-related incident,” he said.
Police further stated that suspects arrested in connection with the recovered firearms have admitted to at least 12 murders, including the killing of OC Ntawo, and are being processed for prosecution.
High-Profile Murder Cases Nearing Closure
The police also reported progress in resolving several high-profile murder cases that had drawn public attention.
Damulira said the killing of Pamela, who was a director of student affairs at Uganda Christian University (UCU), is “almost resolved,” noting that investigators arrested a suspect with key exhibits shortly after he personally addressed mourners during a vigil in Nalya. The family later reached out to police to commend the speed of the response.
The double murder at a hotel in Lungujja, in which a woman and a security guard were killed, is also reported to be near resolution. Police say they have arrested the main suspect and recovered the vehicle allegedly stolen from the hotel following the attack.
In addition, police say the case involving the murder of TikToker Skyz has been concluded, with the suspect arrested, charged in court and exhibits recovered.
Sweeps and Intelligence-Led Operations Intensified
Beyond individual cases, police say territorial commands have intensified intelligence-led operations across the metropolitan area. On Wednesday alone, Kira Division arrested 130 suspects, Nsangi Division 32 suspects, and Kira Road 16 suspects in operations targeting criminal elements.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (CID) and forensic teams are currently screening suspects to establish individual culpability and prepare files for prosecution.
Police say additional measures are being rolled out to curb muggings at traffic lights, road junctions and in long traffic jams, with similar tactics being replicated in other parts of the country.
Sub-county Policing Model to Protect Rural Livelihoods
Damulira said the implementation of the sub-county policing model is progressing and is expected to play a key role in curbing theft of agricultural produce, including coffee and foodstuffs, which undermines household incomes and frustrates the goals of the Parish Development Model (PDM).
“This will be the antidote for criminals targeting our peasants’ coffee, foodstuffs and produce,” he said, adding that police are addressing operational challenges to ensure the model delivers results.
Police Call for Responsible Reporting, Acknowledge Root Causes
The police leadership said it will continue engaging the media to provide timely updates and promote public awareness on crime trends and prevention. At the same time, Damulira acknowledged that poverty and unemployment remain major drivers of crime, challenges he said require a whole-of-government response beyond the remit of the police alone.
While acknowledging public anxiety fueled by viral content and online commentary, police maintain that sustained operations, targeted arrests and forensic-backed investigations are gradually weakening criminal networks and improving public safety.
