Iganga Police Arrest 31 Suspects in Crackdown on Drug Abuse and Armed Robbery

By Barasa Richard Osmara Digital Media Correspondent – Eastern Uganda

Police in Iganga District have arrested 31 suspects in an intelligence-led operation targeting alleged criminal hideouts and black spots believed to be linked to drug abuse and robberies in different parts of the district.

The operation, conducted by police in areas including Central Division, Northern Division, Nakalama, Bunyiro and Buligo, targeted places identified as suspected centres where individuals allegedly gather to smoke narcotics before waylaying members of the public and stealing their property.

According to Busoga East Police spokesperson ASP Michael Kasadha, the operation resulted in the arrest of 31 suspects, comprising 30 males and one female. Police also recovered quantities of suspected marijuana in both rolled and unrolled form, as well as three pangas believed to be dangerous weapons.

Police said 19 suspects were arrested from the Ssaza Road and Kaliro Road areas, while three suspects were apprehended in Buligo, where police also recovered three pangas. A further five suspects were arrested in Nakalama, while another four suspects were arrested in Bunyiro. The suspects are currently detained at Iganga Central Police Station, where they are being investigated for alleged possession of narcotics and dangerous weapons. Police said inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the arrests and the suspected criminal activities are ongoing.

ASP Kasadha said the operation forms part of wider efforts by security agencies to disrupt criminal networks and prevent communities from becoming vulnerable to drug-related crime, robbery and other forms of criminality. Police have also commended members of the public whose information helped security officers identify and target suspected criminal hideouts. Authorities said cooperation between communities and law enforcement agencies remains essential because police cannot be present everywhere at all times.

Bugiri residents call for increased security operations Meanwhile, residents in different parts of Bugiri District are calling for increased intervention by security agencies in response to what they describe as rising cases of crime in their communities.

The concerns come amid a separate incident involving a 15-year-old boy identified as Med Chubula, a resident of Bukiiri Village in Muterere Sub County, who was arrested over allegations of stealing coffee from Naigoma Village in the same sub-county.

According to residents, the teenager is alleged to have stolen coffee belonging to Owadhe Francis, a resident of Bukiiri Village. The suspect was subsequently arrested and is currently being held at Namuganza Police Station as investigations continue.

The incident has sparked concern among local leaders and residents, with community members calling for stronger security interventions to address theft and other forms of crime affecting farmers and property owners. Mukisa Ronald, the LC1 Chairperson of Naigoma Village, condemned the alleged theft and urged young people in the community to desist from stealing other people's property. Mukisa said community members have a responsibility to protect one another and encouraged parents, local leaders and security agencies to work together to prevent young people from becoming involved in criminal activities.

Why police conduct targeted operations According to the Busoga East Police spokesperson, intelligence-led operations are among the measures used by law enforcement agencies to maintain public safety, enforce the law and disrupt criminal activities before they become more widespread. Police operations may focus on areas identified as high-crime locations through increased patrols, checkpoints and targeted deployments intended to deter criminal activity and reassure members of the public.

Security agencies may also conduct raids and targeted operations against suspected illegal markets and criminal networks involved in activities such as drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, illegal arms trade and the handling of stolen property.

Other operations may involve the execution of search and arrest warrants, particularly where police have information about wanted suspects or believe that evidence connected to criminal activities may be found at particular locations. Police operations can also be undertaken to manage large public gatherings, including sporting events, festivals and other events where security agencies anticipate risks to public safety.

In emergency situations, security agencies may be required to respond to active threats, rescue civilians and stabilise situations that pose an immediate danger to communities. Investigators may further conduct targeted searches and surveillance operations to gather evidence, identify criminal networks and understand how suspected syndicates operate before making arrests. Public cooperation remains critical Police have continued to emphasise that effective law enforcement requires cooperation between security agencies and the communities they serve. Community members are often the first to notice suspicious movements, unfamiliar individuals or activities that may indicate emerging criminal threats. Timely reporting can therefore help police respond before suspected criminal activities escalate or more people become victims.

The Busoga East Police leadership has appealed to residents in Iganga, Bugiri and neighbouring areas to remain vigilant and report suspected criminal activities to the nearest police station or relevant security authorities.

Police have also assured residents that operations targeting criminality will continue as security agencies work to make communities safer and protect people's lives and property. For residents, however, the ongoing challenge will require more than arrests alone. Stronger community policing, youth engagement, responsible reporting, support for vulnerable families and continued cooperation between local leaders and security agencies will be important in addressing the underlying causes of crime.

As investigations into the arrested suspects continue, police have reiterated that those detained will be processed in accordance with the law and that investigations will determine the next course of action.