The police in Hoima city are holding 47 suspected criminals following their arrest during an intelligence-led operation.
The operation was conducted by jointly by the Uganda Peoples Defense Forces-UPDF and the police in conjunction with other sister security agencies on Friday night.
The suspects were arrested from Kiryatete East, a suburb of Hoima city following complaints from area residents especially the business community regarding the escalating thefts and attacks by suspected criminals in the area.
Police have since concealed particulars of the suspects as they are still undergoing scrutiny by security. Julius Hakiza, the Albertine region police spokesperson confirmed the arrest and detention of the suspected criminals to Uganda Radio Network. He explained that they were compelled to conduct the operation following numerous cases and complaints registered about increased attacks on area residents including pedestrians and motorists.
“Several motorists have had their motorcycles robbed in this area while several shops have been broken into by thugs. We acted swiftly and arrested some of the people we suspect to be terrorizing area residents,” said Hakiza.
According to Hakiza, some of the suspects were found hiding in uncompleted structures in Kiryatete while others were found smoking marijuana in groups.
Hakiza says the suspects are currently undergoing screening before they are arraigned before the court to be charged accordingly.
Peter Mayanja, the National Resistance Movement-NRM Chairperson in Kiryatete has appealed to security to conduct more operations in the area to fight the increasing crime rate in the area.
Patrick Onyutha, a resident of Kiryatete East says they are being forced to spend sleepless nights following persistent attacks by thugs. In October, Police in Hoima city and other sister security agencies arrested 18 suspected criminals during an intelligence-led operation.
The operation followed complaints of rampant attacks and thefts from residents, especially the business community in the areas of Lusaka, Bujumbura, Kiryatete and Kiganda, all suburbs of Hoima city.
The suspects who included 12 males and six females were then identified as Abdulrahman 20, Chris Twejukye 36, Safian Kusiima, 23, Benard Alinaitwe 20, Micheal Ategeka 18, Jonan Abas 20, Gerald Abigaba 25, Barakati Kajura 22, Justus Ahumuza 22, and Godfrey Tumwesigye 22.
The others were Shahadu Ssemwogerere 19, Moreen Kirungi 23, Joan Ainembabazi 23, Harriet Namuli 19, Monica Nabasa 20, Shakira Tuhaise 21, Catherine Atuhairwe 23, and Emmanuel Mugabi 30.
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