Uganda police arrest 21 in Namayingo gambling crackdown
Officers are examining whether some gambling patrons can account for the money used to finance their betting and gaming activity.
Uganda.- Police in Uganda have arrested 21 people during an intelligence-led security operation in Namayingo District that included checks on illegal gambling venues and gaming centres.
The operation was conducted in Namayingo Town Council following reports of planned criminal activity and concerns from residents about a rise in theft and other offences.
Officers from Namayingo Police Station, led by District Police Commander SP Simon Peter Emuron, focused on locations identified as security hotspots. These included bars allegedly operating outside authorised hours, gaming establishments suspected of conducting unregulated gambling and areas associated with criminal activity.
Police said the 21 suspects comprised 13 men and eight women. Some of those detained were reportedly for drinking at bars operating beyond permitted hours, with police also citing loud music as a breach of operating conditions. Others were arrested at gaming centres or while allegedly loitering in areas identified as crime hotspots.
The operation placed particular attention on gambling activity at gaming centres. Police said some of the people arrested at these locations were regular patrons, raising questions about the sources of funds used to finance their gambling.
Authorities are investigating whether the individuals have legitimate sources of income and whether any of the gambling-related activity is connected to other offences.
Police said the suspects will undergo screening, with anyone found to have committed an offence expected to face prosecution in court.
