Uganda: Police Arrest 21 in Namayingo Crackdown On Crime Hotspots

What the report says

Police in Namayingo District, eastern Uganda, arrested 21 people in an intelligence-led sweep aimed at suspected criminal hideouts and other security hotspots in Namayingo Town Council, according to a report distributed by AllAfrica from Nile Post. The operation followed resident complaints about thefts and concerns over planned criminal activity in the area.

The report said officers from Namayingo Police Station, working under District Police Commander SP Simon Peter Emuron, focused on bars said to be open beyond allowed hours, illegal gaming venues and other places identified as trouble spots. Police said the detainees included 13 men and eight women. Some were allegedly found drinking in late-night bars with loud music, while others were picked up at gaming centres or while lingering in known hotspots.

Authorities also linked the action to broader enforcement against unregulated gambling and bar operations that breach licensing rules. The article noted a government directive from Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara restricting bars from opening before 3 p.m., though it did not say whether the directive was the direct basis for the arrests. The suspects were being held at Namayingo Central Police Station pending screening and investigation.

Busoga East police spokesperson ASP Michael Kasadha said similar operations would continue across the region to disrupt criminal activity and improve public safety. He also urged bar and gaming-centre owners to follow operating hours and licensing conditions, while encouraging residents to report suspicious activity.