Uganda Police, alongside sister security agencies, has made significant strides in crime detection over the past three months, apprehending at least 87 murder suspects with the help of sniffer dogs.
Of these suspects, 44 have been formally charged in court after investigations yielded sufficient evidence, thanks to the canine unit’s involvement.
A majority of the suspects were linked to aggravated robberies, with sniffer dogs effectively tracking their movements and leading to the recovery of key evidence, including weapons.
One high-profile case involved Tony Migade, a boda-boda rider in Makindye Division, Kampala, who was fatally attacked a week ago. Police dogs played a pivotal role in tracing the suspects involved in his murder.
In addition to murder cases, sniffer dogs have been instrumental in the arrest of 398 burglary suspects and 570 individuals connected to theft-related crimes.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kituuma Rusoke praised the canine unit, highlighting its efficiency and urging the public to make more frequent use of these services in crime detection and investigation.
From July to September 2024, the canine unit’s efforts have been directly linked to the arrest of 3,489 suspects, with 1,291 already charged in court.
Rusoke also underscored the importance of public cooperation during investigations, calling on witnesses to provide vital statements that could lead to successful prosecutions.
With an increase in house and shop break-ins typically seen towards the year’s end, police continue to encourage the public to report thefts and utilise canine services to combat rising crime.
