The Uganda police in a cordon and search operation along the Northern bypass
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Uganda Police Force managed to arrest 93 suspected criminals in an intelligence-led operation along the Northern Bypass following reports of increased criminal activity targeting motorists and passengers during evening traffic congestion.
The operation, conducted on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, between 7:00pm and 11:00pm, targeted areas around Busega and the Kyengera Flyover, where police said criminal gangs had allegedly taken advantage of heavy traffic to prey on members of the public.
The crackdown was mounted after Kampala Metropolitan Police received intelligence about suspected criminals operating and hiding in several locations along the busy highway.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala said the operation was specifically intended to address criminal activity that had become more pronounced during evening rush hours.
“An intelligence-led operation was conducted on 07.10.2026, between 1900hrs and 2300hrs, to address suspected criminal activity during the evening traffic hours,” Kawala said.
Criminals Target Traffic Jams
According to police, some of the suspects had allegedly been using areas around the Northern Bypass as hiding places, emerging when traffic slowed or came to a standstill to target motorists and passengers.
“It was alleged that suspected criminals were using the identified areas as hiding places and waiting for traffic congestion to target members of the public,” Kawala said.
Criminal gangs operating along busy roads have commonly exploited traffic jams, when vehicles are forced to move slowly or remain stationary, to smash car windows and steal valuables from occupants.
Police say some criminals also target pedestrians and passengers, snatching mobile phones and other valuables before escaping, with motorcycles reportedly being used to facilitate quick getaways.
The growing threat has raised concern among motorists who frequently use the Northern Bypass, particularly during evening hours when traffic congestion provides opportunities for criminals to approach vehicles without immediately attracting attention.
93 Suspects Arrested
The police operation covered several locations considered potential hideouts for the suspected criminals.
These included Busega Fish Market and surrounding cinema halls, the swamp beyond the Mityana Road Flyover towards Bulenga, and other areas within Kigwanya Zone.
By the end of the four-hour operation, police had arrested 93 suspects, including four females.
The arrests represent a significant sweep by security authorities seeking to disrupt criminal networks operating along the highway and prevent attacks on motorists and other road users.
A preliminary search of the suspects also led to the recovery of several items which police said could be connected to criminal activity.
Among the recovered exhibits were suspected opium, suspected stolen mobile phones and two knives, alongside other items.
Suspects Face Further Investigation
Police said the arrests and recovery of exhibits are part of ongoing investigations aimed at establishing the identities and activities of the suspects and determining whether they were involved in specific offences reported along the Northern Bypass.
Kawala said the suspects and recovered exhibits had been taken up for further processing and investigation in accordance with the law.
The operation comes amid heightened concerns over street and highway crime in Kampala, particularly crimes committed during peak traffic hours.
Police are expected to continue intelligence-led operations in areas identified as vulnerable to criminal activity as part of efforts to protect motorists, passengers and other members of the public.
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