Police to Arraign 100 in Court over Street Robberies in Kampala

The Central Police Station (CPS) in Kampala is expected to produce up to 100 suspects in court over allegations of involvement in street robberies and other criminal activities.

The Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, Rachel Kawala, said the suspects are part of several groups arrested during a series of coordinated security operations aimed at curbing criminality within the Kampala Metropolitan Area.

According to police intelligence, the suspects are believed to be involved in drug abuse, robberies, theft, and other unlawful activities. They were arrested from various locations, including Nakasero, Entebbe Road, Nasser Road, areas behind Church House, Railway Grounds, Punjabi, the Electoral Commission area, and Mukwano.

Kawala said the suspects have been engaging in criminal acts such as snatching mobile phones and handbags, as well as stealing vehicle parts during traffic jams. She explained that the arrests followed a targeted operation which focused on known crime hotspots. “We targeted youth who lie in wait at identified black spots and later engage in criminal acts,” Kawala said.

In a related development, police in Mukono District are holding 11 suspects who were arrested from a mapped hotspot known for harbouring individuals involved in smoking marijuana, waylaying, and robbing members of the public.

However, the latest arrests come amid heightened tension following the recently concluded general elections. Since 16 January 2026, several people have been arrested across the Kampala Metropolitan Area over alleged election-related offences.

The President of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has repeatedly claimed that many of those arrested are supporters of his party.

Among those arrested earlier were 110 youths accused of involvement in post-election violence. They were charged with obstruction and common nuisance, contrary to Sections 221(b) and 148 of the Penal Code Act, respectively. The suspects were remanded to Luzira Prison by the Mwanga II Magistrate’s Court and the KCCA Magistrate’s Court on 20 January.

The latest arrest is that of Akiso Benjamin, the NUP Head of Institutions and former Guild President of Kyambogo University. He was picked up on Monday in Wandegeya, along with several others yet to be identified. The group was holding roses and party flags in what they described as a “Red Rose Revolution” protest against President Museveni’s declared election victory.

Witnesses say the group chanted slogans demanding the release of political detainees before being arrested. “Free all political prisoners! We are tired of continued unlawful arrests, enforced disappearances, prolonged detentions, and torture targeting opposition leaders and ordinary citizens,” the protesters shouted.

Following the declaration of President Yoweri Museveni’s victory, sporadic protests broke out in parts of Kampala. Security forces dispersed demonstrators who were reportedly burning tyres and blocking roads, leading to several arrests.

Reports further indicate that in Bwaise, three protesters were shot dead, while others were killed in Makindye-Katwe. Similar incidents were reported in other parts of the country, including Butambala District, where at least seven people were allegedly shot dead during election-related violence.