Police in Busia District, Eastern Uganda have arrested two men and recovered a pistol in an operation aimed at curbing rising criminal activity in the area.

According to a press statement issued by the Bukedi South Regional Police Spokesperson, IP Moses Mugwe, the suspects were arrested on July 8, 2025, at around 12:40am during a night patrol in Sofia A Cell, Eastern Division, Busia Municipality.

The suspects were identified as Abass Nsubuga, 60, a plumber and a resident of Ndejje Bongole in Zanta Village, Wakiso District. His ancestral home is in Buyenga Village, Butambala District. Another suspect was identified as Moses Nviri, 60, a mason by occupation and a resident of Mutwetwe, Kibiibi Village in Butambala District.

"During the operation, police officers on patrol intercepted the two men and conducted a search. A black pistol, marked 98722, was recovered from Nsubuga Abass. His colleague, Nviri Moses, was found in possession of a hammer. Other items recovered included face masks, a cap, and a bottle of Rwenzori mineral water containing an unidentified liquid," Mr Mugwe said on Tuesday.

He said the case has been registered under CRB 690/2025 at Busia Central Police Station.

According to Mr Mugwe a team of officers from the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), Flying Squad, and Crime Intelligence (CI) visited the scene, recorded statements, and jointly interrogated the suspects.

Police say investigations are still ongoing and more details will be provided in due course.

A total of 188 cases of murder by shooting were reported to the police countrywide in 2024 compared to 300 cases reported in 2023, giving a 37 per cent decrease in the reported cases in this category countrywide. Out of the total cases reported, 34 cases were taken to Court, 26 cases were not proceeded with while 128 cases are still under inquiry.

A total of 205 persons were shot dead, of whom 178 were Male Adults,19 were female adults 7 Male Juveniles while 01 was a Female Juvenile. By the end of 2024, 23 cases of Murder by Shooting were still pending in Court awaiting trial.