Police Arrest 46 Suspects in Crackdown on Alleged Criminal Gangs in Kasese

What the report says

Police in Kasese Municipality have arrested 46 people in an intelligence-led operation targeting suspected criminal gangs accused of robberies, burglaries, theft and bag snatching. The action, reported by Nile Post, took place on Saturday evening in several cells in Central Division, including Nyakasanga, Kisanga, Kidodo and Majengo.

According to Rwenzori East Regional Police spokesperson ASP Elly Maate, the operation was prompted by intelligence analysis and complaints from residents that a group commonly referred to as the “Gazza Group” had regrouped and resumed criminal activity. Police said the suspects are currently in custody and are being processed as investigations continue.

The arrested individuals have been charged with common nuisance and possession of opium, pending screening, police said. The operation was supervised by Kasese Division Police Commander SP Hassan Hiwumbire and led on the ground by Nyakasanga Police Station officer in charge ASP Lukol.

Police said similar intelligence-driven operations will continue across Kasese Municipality as part of broader efforts to reduce crime and apprehend other people wanted in connection with the reported offences. In a wider policing context, such crackdowns are often used to disrupt repeat offending and respond to local security concerns, though the article only specifically details the arrests and ongoing screening in this case.