EDITOR
Police in Rukungiri have arrested 52 suspects following a disruptive operation conducted together with the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Force (UPDF) in Rukungiri Municipality.
The early morning crackdown was carried out at about 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, targeting mapped-out black spots believed to be harboring criminal elements. The operation focused on areas linked to drug abuse, robbery, and a spate of break-ins affecting shops, stores, and residential houses.
According to a police report, the exercise was led by IP Elias Muhairwe, the Officer in Charge of Operations in Rukungiri, alongside IP Sande Richard and AIP Arinitwe Gad, the Officer in Charge of the Field Force Unit (FFU).
During the sweep, several suspects were allegedly found smoking and in possession of opium, while others were discovered with suspected house-breaking implements. Police also arrested individuals picked up from various hideouts who reportedly failed to give satisfactory accounts of their presence in the areas, raising suspicion that they were planning to commit crimes.
The suspects were registered under SD references 06/18/02/2026, 07/18/02/2026, and 17/18/02/2026 at CPS Rukungiri. They are currently detained at Rukungiri Police Station pending prosecution.
Police reaffirmed their commitment to conducting similar disruptive operations aimed at curbing crime and safeguarding the public and their property in Rukungiri District.
