Views: 9
In a police statement issued on Saturday evening, Kampala Metropolitan spokesperson Patrick Onyango confirmed: “During the event, 16 suspects were arrested for allegedly planning to disrupt the city and were found smoking opium. They are currently detained at CPS Kampala, and their files are being prepared.”
The event, Onyango said, proceeded peacefully under heightened security with foot and motorized patrols, undercover officers, and a quick response team in place.
The suspects, claiming to be NRM supporters, had blended in with crowds of NRM supporters gathered near Fairway Hotel to cheer President Museveni as he returned nomination papers t the NRM Electoral Commission.
Joshua Mwebaze, an NRM supporter said the young had began snatching phones from pedestrians. “One lady’s phone was taken, so we alerted the officers. They arrested some of the suspects, while others fled,’ Mwebaze explained.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Hassan Hiwumbire, Wandegeya Division Police Commander, vowed to prevent a repeat of last Saturday’s incident, where groups posing as NRM supporters robbed unsuspecting individuals.
“Yes, we made arrests near Nakasero and Mulago areas, but we’re still hunting any wrong elements who have bad intentions to rob people of their belongings. I don’t know the exact numbers because I’m still in the field, but we shall be giving out the details later in the day.” ASP Hassan Hiwumbire.
Victims of the robberies included pedestrians, boda boda riders, motorists, and street vendors, who were attacked and robbed of phones, wallets, and other belongings. Police used CCTV footage to track down the suspects, apprehending over 30 alleged thugs.
The suspects, a diverse group including students, mechanics, boda boda riders, and casual workers, were allegedly linked to the NRM party, with some having been previously seen participating in party mobilization and campaign events. They were remanded by Buganda Road Court and Law Development Center Court to Luzira Prison on robbery charges.