Kawempe Division Police Conduct Successful Operation Against Phone Thieves and Suspected Narcotics Traders

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In a meticulously planned and intelligence-driven operation that unfolded during the bustling rush hour on Tuesday evening, a team of crime intelligence officers from Kawempe Division in Kampala, along with detectives, undertook a mission to apprehend suspected phone thieves and individuals allegedly involved in the illicit narcotics trade.

Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire reported that the operation covered the Kyebando cell, Kilokole, and Keti Falawo areas, all well-known hotspots for such unlawful activities in Kawempe Division.

As the sun set and the city was cast in long shadows, the operation achieved significant results. Those arrested during the operation included individuals like Allan Suli Sabaga (18), Joram Matovu (18), Siraji Kiyobe (20), Jackson Mwesigwa (28), Akim Mugabo (17), Israel Mudidi (30), Carol Namakula (18), Robert Kavuma (24), William Katende (28), Josephat Kintu (28), Bashir Tiwu (23), Fred Katumba (25), John Bosco Kiwanuka (20), Melvin Ndaula (20), Haruna Kigundu (23), Haruna Senono (24), Ali Muzamil (18), Jamilu Ndenza (24), Joel Kwagala (24), Sulaiman Segawa (18), Umaru Kalenzi (24), Moses Baka (18), Joseph Kiiza (23), Akim Matovu (21), Abdul Shafiq Luuze (17), Shafiq Suna (19), Abdul Salan Sentamu (23), and Isa Bawa (27).

According to Owoyesigyire, the suspects primarily targeted individuals with mobile phones during traffic jams, especially between 7 pm and 10 pm. Many of them were suspected drug abusers, and their operations were concentrated around the Kyebando traffic lights, with retreats to their respective neighborhoods later in the evening.

The suspects now face charges related to the possession of suspected narcotic substances, compounding their legal predicament, Owoyesigyire explained. He also commended the dedicated efforts of the Kawempe Division team in ensuring the safety and security of the community.

Mobile phone theft, often occurring through snatching phones and other valuables like handbags and necklaces, has become a prevalent issue on the streets of Kampala. According to the 2022 Police annual crime report, thieves managed to steal approximately UGX 205 million worth of loot in 2022 alone. The report noted a significant increase in mobile phone theft cases, with 6,936 incidents reported in 2022, compared to 4,143 cases in 2021, marking a 67.4% rise. Most of these thefts occurred through snatching from unsuspecting victims in public spaces.

Several divisions within Kampala, such as Old Kampala, Rwampara, Katwe, and others, reported a high number of mobile phone theft cases, highlighting the need for continued efforts to combat this growing issue. In recent months, the police have been actively working to apprehend suspects involved in snatching valuable items, particularly mobile phones, from victims in the city center and nearby areas.

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