At least 50 suspected criminal gang members have been arrested in a joint security operation in Kitgum Municipality.
Inspector of Police Benedict Igama, the Kitgum District Police Commander (DPC), says the suspects were arrested over the weekend from various hotspots within the municipality.
Addressing the media from his office at Kitgum Central Police Station today, Igama said the operation was conducted jointly by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces – UPDF and the Uganda Police Force.
According to Igama, among those arrested are well-known hardcore criminals who have been on the security radar, including one only identified as “Okutu” whose file has already been sanctioned by the Directorate of Public Prosecution – DPP.
He says the group also includes former convicts, suspects who were out on bail, and students who are currently back home for holidays.
He says screening will be conducted on all the suspects, while students will be identified through their identification documents before any further action is taken.
Stephen Labalpiny, the Kitgum Assistant Resident District Commissioner (ARDC, reveals that the operation against criminal gangs will continue until all of them are wiped out of Kitgum Municipality.
He calls upon parents to always monitor their children during this holiday period, noting that the majority of those arrested are students.
By Denis Opoka
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