The police have arrested over 198 suspected criminals in Bugembe ward in Jinja City Northern division following a joint security operation led by the Kiira regional police commander, Richard Okullu which was carried out on Sunday.
During the operation, Alex Mugabi the LC I chairperson of Kalina zone was also arrested for allegedly attempting to hide suspected criminals in his house and obstructing security personnel on duty.
The operation targeted Kamwanyi zone, Budhumbuli, Kalina zone, Wanyama, and Wanyange.
However, 61 people were released with caution after the screening exercise and only 137 spent Sunday night in custody.
According to James Mubi the Kiira Region police spokesperson, the operation was prompted by endless complaints from residents about the increasing number of criminal gangs within their community.
He noted that the operations focused on blackspots where suspected criminals hide after robbing valuables from their unsuspecting victims in different parts of Jinja city.
Mubi warned politicians against protecting criminal-minded individuals.
Meanwhile, a section of residents stormed Bugembe police station where the suspects were being screened and accused security personnel of using brutality in the course of executing their operation.
Mubi says their operations were intelligence-led and dismissed claims of brutality levelled against security personnel.
