Security agencies in Uganda conducted cordon-and-search operations in Kampala Metropolitan area in which 05 people including Makindye East Member of Parliament Hon.Nyeko Derrick Mp Makindye East were arrested and an assortment of items confiscated.
According to KMP PRO SSP Patrick Onyango, the intelligence-led operation which involved cordoning off offices of the opposition party National Unity Platform (NUP), targeted residences, shops, and other places, with specific objectives of collecting items reserved for security forces, prosecuting suspects found with such items, and restoring order.
Hon. Nyeko was arrested arrested alongside Katuruntu Geoffrey, a NUP councillor and Waswa Musoke Hassan aged 18yrs old a shop attendant at Costume world tailoring shop and resident of kimwanyi zone, Wandegeya parish, Kawempe division, Kampala district
Others are; Bukenya Joseph aged 32yrs old a cleaner at bobi wine’s home in magere and resident of magere, kyadondo East county in wakiso district and Biiso Marvin aged 18yrs old a phone cover seller and resident of Namungoona, kampala district.
Upon the search at Hon. Nyeko Derick’s home in Makindye Ssabagabo, operatives recovered Desert military shoes, Police shoes black in colour, and an verall resembling that of Counter Terrorism, with the UG flag badge.
Katuruntu Geoffrey was found in possession of a red Beret while Cashmere Monica had red berets and red NUP attires accompanied with police ranks.
According to Onyango, the search at Ronnie Gun’s shop recovered one live PK bullet, four (04) army look alike trousers, two (02) military look alike overalls, three army look alike berets, one walk tokie branded alpha Romeo, one military poncho, two military look alike berets, six (06 )army like Chevrons, fake counterfeit dollars of 23 bundles of 20 notes, two (02 )toy pistols, one stainless curved sharp metal, two( 02) military badges branded on auxiliary police department, seven (07)khaki shirts with star pepes, eight (08)khaki trousers, three dresses with laneyards, one black cape branded with police Nationale wording and four (04) sewing machines.
He states that the operation was initiated after getting court order and suspects are being processed for court.
On May 2, 2024, the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces, through their 4th Infantry Division Public Information Office, cautioned individuals wearing military outfits bearing UPDF imprints, such as warm suits, jackets, ranger boots, berets, caps, porches, backpacks/camel backs, among others, to cease immediately.
On April 22, 2024, the Uganda Police Force, through the National Police Spokesperson, issued a directive to Private Security Organizations, Bouncers Associations, Political groups, and individuals, who are using Police uniforms and rank insignia (PIPS), stating it’s illegal, and they must stop immediately.
SSP Onyango also noted that the operation will extend to other parts of the country.
“The public is urged to surrender these items to local authorities, the police, District/Division Internal Security Organisation (DISO), or the nearest UPDF unit” he stated.