RUKUNGIRI, UGANDA – A sweeping overnight raid by Rukungiri Police has netted 72 individuals from high-crime areas, with numerous suspects apprehended in the act of smoking opium threat to public security and peace.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The intelligence-led operation, conducted on the night of Tuesday, October 7, 2025, targeted known black spot areas harboring criminals involved in a spate of violent and petty crimes.
The Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson, ASP Maate Elly, stated that the operation was launched to dismantle networks responsible for bag snatching, burglary, theft, and robberies.
He confirmed that many of the apprehended individuals were found in circumstances highly suggestive of criminal intent, with several allegedly caught in possession of breaking implements and others reportedly found red-handed smoking opium.
Additionally, a number were arrested for wandering the streets during late hours without being able to account for their movements.
Following the arrests, a screening process on the morning of Wednesday, October 8, led to 26 individuals being formally charged with a range of offenses, separating hardcore suspects from those inadvertently caught in the dragnet.
“This morning at about 0940hrs, screening was conducted and 26 suspects were charged with various offenses ranging from public nuisance, possession and smoking of opium, and possession of breaking implements,” Maate confirmed.
The suspects from the Rukungiri raid remain in custody pending court action. The operation is part of a coordinated security effort across the Kigezi region, where similar intelligence-led initiatives have been underway.
Maate further informed media that in Kisoro District, police conducted a sustained operation from last week until Monday, October 6, leading to multiple arrests.
Following the screening process, 20 suspects were detained, with eight already produced in court and the remainder awaiting trial on similar charges.
Meanwhile, Kabale police continue to hunt for remaining key suspects, aiming to prosecute them collectively with four individuals already arrested over the weekend from Mpigi, Mbarara, and Kabale.
The police spokesperson emphasized that these robust security operations will continue indefinitely until criminal activities are significantly minimized across the region.
“These operations will continue in the whole region until the illegal activities of criminality are minimized,” Maate asserted.
The public’s role as a vital line of defense was underscored, with a plea for citizens to continue supplying timely, credible tips that directly aid in dismantling criminal networks.
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