Police in Tororo District have arrested 19 suspected members of panga-wielding gangs and other habitual offenders during an intelligence-led operation targeting crime hotspots in Tororo Municipality.
The operation, conducted on Wednesday, is part of an ongoing police campaign to curb a rise in violent crime, including housebreaking, burglary, phone and bag snatching, motorcycle theft, drug abuse, and other public order offences commonly associated with organised criminal gangs.
The suspects have been identified as Muzamiru Ziraba, Okware Patrick, Ibrahim Ibrahim, Onyango Emmanuel, Wankha Peter, Onyango Richard, Malinga Stephen, Owori Joseph, Mucherure Joab, Salimu Hazard, Oloka Eridad, Owino Michael, Ochari Emmanuel, Ering Author, Angosa David, Mukisa Denis, Mafabi Simon, Asumani Julius, and Othieno Gerald.According to police, the intelligence-led crackdown focused on areas that have repeatedly been identified as safe havens for suspected criminals.
These included Corner along the Malaba-Jinja Road, Bison, Lions Children’s Park, several video halls, and unfinished buildings where criminal gangs are believed to congregate.
During the operation, officers recovered suspected narcotic drugs, khat leaves, slashers, metal pipes, and other implements suspected to have been used in housebreaking and related crimes.Bukedi South Regional Police Spokesperson Moses Johnson Mugwe confirmed the arrests, saying the operation forms part of broader efforts to restore security and reassure residents following persistent complaints about violent criminal activity in Tororo Town.
Mugwe said the suspects are expected to face charges including possession of suspected narcotic drugs, attempting to commit a felony, and illegal possession of arms. He added that similar intelligence-led operations will continue across the district to identify, disrupt, and arrest criminal elements in a bid to strengthen public safety and maintain law and order.
The suspects are being held at Tororo Central Police Station, where detectives and Crime Intelligence officers are conducting screening, interrogation, profiling, and analysis of the recovered exhibits to establish whether they are linked to previously reported criminal incidents in the district.
Police said the relevant case files are being prepared for submission to the Resident State Attorney once investigations are complete. URN