77 arrested in joint operation on northern bypass, residents demand long-term solutions

In a bold move to restore peace and security on the notorious Northern Bypass, police and military forces have arrested 77 suspected criminals in a weekend sweep that spanned multiple hot spots.

These included Mulimira Zone, Busega, and Kireka. The operation, a collaboration between the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), comes in response to growing public outcry over rampant crime targeting motorists and pedestrians on the busy highway.

While the arrests have been welcomed as a step toward curbing the rising trend of phone snatching and theft, some residents believe these crackdowns are only a temporary fix.

“We’ve seen these operations before,” said Richard Namanya, a boda boda rider who regularly uses the bypass.

“They arrest a few people, but after a few weeks, the crime comes back. What we need is permanent patrols and better lighting on this road.”

Indeed, the Busega area, a major crime spot on the Northern Bypass, has long been a source of frustration for both police and residents.

Despite previous operations, criminals have continued to operate, emboldened by the absence of continuous security presence.

Sarah Nakimera, a local vendor, echoed Namanya’s concerns: “It’s not just about arresting them once. These criminals are part of a bigger network. We need long-term solutions, like community policing and security cameras, if we are to feel safe again.”

The recent operation may have led to the recovery of stolen motorcycles and the arrest of suspected hardcore criminals, but for many residents, the battle for safety on the Northern Bypass is far from over.

With growing demands for sustainable solutions, the public is hopeful that this latest crackdown will pave the way for deeper reforms in urban crime prevention.