Police Link Recovered Firearms to 30 Violent Crimes as Suspects in Diana Sky and UCU Dean Killings Arrested

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Uganda Police Force has assured the public that security agencies are making progress in combating criminal activity within the Kampala Metropolitan Police area.‎‎ Police say while incidents of mugging, murder and break-ins have been reported, ongoing intelligence led operations are yielding results, including the recovery of illegal firearms linked to multiple violent crimes.‎‎

Police leadership says they are aware of growing public concern over crime especially complaints circulating on social media about muggings at traffic junctions and during heavy traffic congestion.‎‎ Authorities acknowledge that several Ugandans have lost valuables in such incidents and say citizens are justified in demanding improved security services.‎‎

However, police insist that the overall security situation remains under control and that recent operations demonstrate progress in dismantling criminal networks.‎‎

According to Crime Intelligence Commander Maj. Gen. Christopher Damulira, operations conducted between January 20 and 24, 2026, in the Kampala Metropolitan area led to the recovery of four sub-machine guns and the arrest of nine suspects.‎‎ Forensic analysis has since linked the recovered firearms to at least 30 aggravated robbery incidents recorded between June 2025 and January 2026.‎‎

He says that since the weapons were recovered, no gun-related incidents have been registered within the metropolitan area.‎‎ Investigators further revealed that suspects connected to the operation reportedly confessed to twelve murders, including the killing of the Officer-in-Charge of Ntawo Police Station. The suspects are currently being processed for court.‎‎

Damulira described the breakthrough as a major milestone in ongoing efforts to reduce violent crime.‎‎ Meanwhile, investigations into the murder of a Uganda Christian University dean of Students, Pamela Tumwebaze, are said to be nearing conclusion after police arrested a key suspect and recovered exhibits connected to the crime.‎‎

Authorities also report progress in other high-profile investigations, including the double murder at a hotel in Lungujja where a key suspect was arrested and a stolen vehicle recovered.‎‎In a separate case involving a TikTok content creator known as Skyz, police say the suspect was arrested, charged in court, and exhibits recovered.

Security agencies add that territorial commands continue to conduct intelligence-led operations targeting suspected criminals.‎‎Recent operations saw Kira Division arrest 130 suspects, Nsangi Division arrest 32 suspects, and Kira Road Division arrest 16 suspects.‎‎Criminal Investigations officers, intelligence teams and forensic experts are currently screening suspects to support prosecution.

‎‎Police say new measures are being implemented to address muggings at traffic lights and congested junctions, with similar strategies expected to be rolled out nationwide.‎‎ Authorities also highlight the ongoing implementation of the sub-county policing model aimed at protecting farmers and rural communities from theft targeting agricultural produce, a challenge officials say undermines government poverty alleviation programmes.

‎‎Police leadership argue that poverty and unemployment remain major drivers of crime, emphasizing that addressing these issues requires a whole-of-government approach beyond law enforcement alone.‎‎

Police will continue engaging the media and the public to improve awareness while strengthening crime prevention strategies across the country.‎‎#IvanKaahwaReports ‎

KAAHWA IVAN | @ivan-kaahwa-reports #IvanKaahwaReports