By Henry Okello
TORORO
Police in Tororo district are holding 24 suspects after a high-intensity intelligence-led operation that tore through gang hideouts and narcotics hubs across the district on Wednesday night.
The synchronized raid was launched on June 4, 2026, under the direct command of Tororo District Police Commander, SP Martin Karekyezi. Officers hit known criminal black spots in Tororo Municipality, Osukuru Trading Center, Apetai Sub-County, Mukujju Sub-County, and surrounding urban areas.
Bukedi South Regional Police Spokesperson, Moses Johnson Mugwe, said the operation was triggered by an escalation in gang-related violence, illegal narcotics trade, and rampant cannabis use that threatened public safety.
“Intelligence reports directly linked the high consumption of these substances to a spike in localized petty crimes, nighttime robberies, and violent assaults targeting unsuspecting commuters,” Mugwe said.
Of grave concern was a violent pattern where criminals trail Boda Boda riders and attack them with iron bars.
Police are actively investigating one such case from May 23, 2026, in which a rider was severely assaulted and his motorcycle, Reg. No. UMA 620J, was stolen.
The joint team of operational staff, Crime Intelligence, CID, and local council authorities moved in simultaneously on the targeted hubs. All 24 male suspects were “neutralized and taken into custody,” Mugwe said.
Names are being withheld as screening and criminal profiling against the district watch-list continue.
“Thorough screening, criminal profiling, and deep interrogations are ongoing to cross-reference the suspects against the existing District criminal watch-list,” Mugwe added.
Exhibits recovered and processed for court include processed marijuana, two birds suspected to be tied to domestic thefts or ritualistic gang associations, gambling paraphernalia including playing cards used in illegal syndicates, and liquid cash believed to be proceeds of gambling.
Based on evidence so far, the suspects face charges of attempted felony.
Mugwe reaffirmed police commitment to restoring order stating , “We want to affirm to the public of our continued commitment in ensuring sanity and total law and order is maintained across Tororo District. Therefore, the perpetrators and would be perpetrators stand warned and must desist from the vice.” he said.
