The Director of Crime Intelligence, Maj Gen Christopher Damulira, has pushed back against recent reports by Daily Monitor and New Vision suggesting that crime has spiralled out of control in the Kampala Metropolitan Policing Area (KMP), saying the narrative does not reflect the full security picture on the ground.
In a detailed response to the journalists, Damulira acknowledged public concern over incidents of mugging, murder, and break-ins, particularly at traffic junctions and during long traffic jams, noting that victims are justified in demanding better policing services.
However, he insisted that claims that “crime has taken over” Kampala are inaccurate.
“While we have noted complaints on social media and in the press, away from headlines we are making good progress in dealing with crime,” Damulira said.
He highlighted several recent intelligence-led breakthroughs, including the recovery of four submachine guns (SMGs) and the arrest of nine suspects in KMP between January 20 and 24, 2026. Forensic analysis has linked the recovered weapons to at least 30 aggravated robberies committed between June 2025 and January 2026.
Significantly, Damulira noted that since the recovery of the firearms, no gun-related crimes have been registered in KMP.
The suspects have also reportedly confessed to 12 murders, including the killing of the Officer in Charge of Ntawo Police Station, and are being processed for court.
He further revealed that investigations into several high-profile cases are nearing completion, including the murder of Pamela, a student of Uganda Christian University, the double murder at a hotel in Lungujja, and the killing of TikToker Skyz. Suspects in all three cases have been arrested, exhibits recovered, and court processes initiated.
On broader operations, Damulira said territorial police commands are actively conducting intelligence-driven sweeps. In a single day, Kira Division arrested 130 suspects, Nsangi Division 32, and Kira Road Division 16, among others. Crime Intelligence officers, detectives, and forensic teams are currently screening suspects to ensure credible prosecutions.
To curb rising cases of street mugging, especially at traffic lights and congestion points, Damulira said targeted measures are being rolled out in Kampala and replicated across the country.
He also pointed to the ongoing implementation of the sub-county policing model as a long-term solution to crimes targeting farmers’ produce, including coffee theft, which undermines the Parish Development Model (PDM).
While reaffirming police commitment to public safety, Damulira acknowledged that poverty and unemployment remain major drivers of crime, stressing that these require a whole-of-government approach beyond the mandate of the police.
“We remain committed to constructive engagement with the media to promote public awareness and the wellbeing of our people,” he said.
