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After screening, 20 suspects were detained, eight of whom have already appeared before court on related charges
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By Our Reporter
The Police in Rukungiri District have arrested 72 suspected criminals in an intelligence-led operation aimed at curbing the rising crime rate in the municipality. The operation, conducted on the night of October 7, 2025, targeted individuals accused of terrorizing residents through bag snatching, burglary, theft, robbery, and drug-related offences, including the possession and smoking of opium.
According to police, most of the suspects were arrested from known black spots. Some were allegedly found with breaking implements, while others were caught smoking opium or loitering late at night without any clear explanation for their movements.
During a screening exercise conducted on October 8 at 9:40 a.m., 26 suspects were charged with offences ranging from public nuisance to possession of opium and breaking implements. The remaining suspects are still under investigation and will appear in court once inquiries are complete.
Similar Operations in Kisoro and Kabale
In Kisoro District, police have been conducting similar intelligence-led operations since last week.
By October 6, several suspects had been rounded up. After screening, 20 suspects were detained, eight of whom have already appeared before court on related charges. Meanwhile, in Kabale District, the hunt for key suspects linked to recent robberies and thefts is ongoing. Police confirmed that four suspects arrested over the weekend from Mpigi, Mbarara, and Kabale will be jointly prosecuted once investigations are complete.
Police Vow Continued Operations
Security officials have vowed to sustain the crackdown across the Kigezi sub-region until the wave of criminality is contained. “These operations will continue until illegal activities are brought under control,” said ASP Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson.
Rising Crime in Kigezi
Recent statistics indicate a surge in crime across Kigezi since June 2025.
In September 2025, at least 33 people were reported killed across the six districts of Kabale, Kisoro, Rubanda, Kanungu, Rukungiri, and Rukiga, according to police reports.
Authorities attribute the increase in crime to domestic violence, land wrangles, and drug abuse.
The latest Police Annual Crime Report also shows that cases of threatening violence in Kigezi rose from 6,043 in 2023 to 6,729 in 2024, underscoring the growing need for intensified community policing.
Regional Police Spokesperson Elly Maate reaffirmed the force’s commitment to maintaining safety and order. “All suspects involved in major crimes have been arrested and are being prosecuted. We shall continue working with the public to ensure peace in the region,” he said.
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