Police Arrest 126 Suspected Thugs in Clock Tower Hideouts Amid Rising Theft Complaints

Uganda Police launched a major operation on Tuesday evening targeting suspected juvenile criminals in drainage channels at Queens Way road junction near Clock Tower. Officers fired warning shots to flush out the group and dismantle their makeshift shelters made from wood and containers.

The joint effort with Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) enforcement and other agencies responded to numerous public complaints about escalating crime, particularly phone and bag snatching from pedestrians in the evenings. Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Rachael Kawala noted that the suspects hide in these spots during the day.

Raids uncovered household items, condoms, suspected narcotics, and sharp weapons like knives, pangas, and scissors. The hideouts featured threatening wall inscriptions, hanging clothes, and even small businesses such as a mobile money outlet, chapati stand, and restaurant.

One suspect claimed they worked night shifts collecting garbage and odd jobs. The operation nabbed 18 individuals, adding to 108 arrested on Easter Monday, totaling 126. Most are aged 12-13, with the oldest around 25, raising alarms over youth involvement in urban crime.

Investigations continue, with suspects to be screened for legal action. Residents welcome the move amid ongoing insecurity concerns. The 2025 Annual Crime Report shows theft cases at 26,510, down slightly from 28,358 in 2024.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)