As the Christmas season clocks in, security agencies have embarked on an operation of raiding the most notorious criminal hideouts in Kampala as part of the criminal cleanup operations in the city.

The operation dubbed 'Tokoora Operation’ was sanctioned by the President of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, which seeks to address public concerns of criminal tendencies that involve drug abuse, theft and pick pocketing around Kampala.

It is targeting Nakivubo, Kawaala, Kasubi, Makindye, Kibuli, Kisenyi, Kibuye, Salaama, Katwe and Kasubi. During the course of the operation, security agencies have so far managed to arrest 331 suspects. It is alleged that these areas have often been identified as key black spots where wrongdoers camp or hide as they wait to terrorize the city.

Police says that a number of items have been recovered during the operation including large quantities of drugs, breaking implements and most suspects were found in possession of prison discharge forms, police bond and court bail documents.

According to the Kampala Metropolitan Police Commande, Moses Kafeero Kabugo, the operations will continue in various parts of the city.

"As police, we have decided to embark on raiding those areas as we are approaching to Christmas because in this season, crime rates increase. "I would like to inform the public that the operations will be continuous in order to curtail any criminal activities on a daily basis,” he said.

Kafeero also called upon the general public to take their personal security more serious as the Christmas season clocks in.

"I therefore call upon the general public to be very vigilant about their safety. This Christmas season is very dangerous, criminals are many, so take care," Kafeero emphasized.

Many residents in the targeted areas appreciate the work done by police.

"I think now crimes will decrease in these areas after the operation," said Lauben Katwiremu, a resident of Kisenyi.

"Good job. I hope you also clean the Nakivubo channel especially behind new park police post, there many of those things. Thank you, police," said Otungul Samuel, a resident of Katwe.

331 suspects that were arrested during the operation are currently detained at different police stations around Kampala Metropolitan Area like Central Police station, Jinja Road, Nateete, Katwe, Wandegeya and Kabalagala police stations.

Courtesy Photo