The Uganda Police have arrested over 70 suspects in connection to paver (stone) throwing along the Northern Bypass on Kiira Road.
According to Luke Owoyesgire in a Statement released on Monday, May, 6,2024 this operation was in collaboration with local councils, PISOS, GISO, CMI, UPDF, CI, and area Police, aimed to curb the menace posed by the criminals.
“As a result of diligent efforts, a total of 70 suspected criminals were apprehended yesterday, 5th May 2024,” the statement read in part.
“Among them, 15 were captured along the northern bypass and are currently being held at Kiira Road, while 55 were apprehended from areas of, Namugongo, and are detained at Kiira Division, he added.
Owoyesigire revealed that this is in connection to the escalating incidents of paver (stone) throwing along the highway and in response, a coordinated joint operation was immediately initiated.
On 8th March 2023, Fred Enanga the Uganda Police spokesperson issued a warning to the public particularly motorists about stone-throwing criminals returning to the bypass.
These Enanga said that they came up with new tactics such as throwing garbage sacks at motorists to force them to stop along the highway and then attack.
Police however say that the attacks had reduced due to increased patrols but the gangs had discovered black spots where they continued with their attacks.
On the other hand, this is the first arrest as in 2022 over 60 criminals had been arrested especially youth, and taken to court.
Enanga said that these were involved in Car vandalism, property grabbing, and vandalism; they threw pavers at car windscreens in order to gain access to the property in the vehicles.