#Kampala Metropolitan Police

[theankoletimes]

Two Suspects Dead, Cattle Recovered as Police Foil Theft in Nakasajja

Nagalama police officers this morning successfully intercepted suspected cattle thieves at Nakasajja Trading Centre, rescuing three heads of cattle that were being transported in a white Toyota Prado TX with registration number UAZ 797G. According to ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan Police, the incident occurred on May 14th, 2025, at approximately 3:00 AM. While…

[jcmarchi]

China’s Watchful Eye: AI Surveillance in Uganda

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/chinas-watchful-eye-ai-surveillance-in-uganda/

China’s Watchful Eye: AI Surveillance in Uganda

This marks the first in a series by Unite.AI exploring the growing connections between international government bodies and AI surveillance. Across the globe, state-driven surveillance programs are rapidly evolving, often underpinned by partnerships with powerful technology exporters such as China, Israel, and Russia. Uganda serves as a compelling case study, revealing how AI surveillance has been deployed, expanded, and justified in the name of national security.

AI surveillance in Uganda has undergone significant expansion, deeply influencing security, governance, and public oversight. There may be cause for concern, especially with the Ugandan government previously using military courts to prosecute civilians.

Uganda has recently implemented an extensive AI-powered surveillance system featuring thousands of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras equipped with facial recognition capabilities. This initiative – part of a nationwide “Safe City” plan – was rolled out with the help of China’s telecom giant Huawei. Ugandan authorities argue that the high-tech network will bolster public safety and help curb rising crime rates. However, the program has also sparked debate, as critics voice concerns over privacy, potential abuse of the technology, and the broader implications of state surveillance. Uganda’s experience exemplifies a growing global trend of governments adopting AI surveillance in the name of security, raising important questions about how to balance security and civil liberties in the digital age.

Background: Uganda’s Safe City Surveillance Project

The push for CCTV surveillance in Uganda gained momentum after a series of high-profile violent crimes in 2017. Following the assassination of a senior police official, AIGP Andrew Kaweesi in March 2017, President Yoweri Museveni directed security agencies to urgently install “spy cameras” across major towns and highways. This political directive led to the launch of an ambitious Safe City surveillance project in 2018, managed by Huawei. The project came with a price tag of Ugandan Shillings 458 billion (approximately $126 million).

Implementation began in Kampala Metropolitan Area as the first phase. The plan envisioned over 3,200 cameras deployed across greater Kampala, monitored from centralized command centers. While we have no current data, by late 2019, the rollout in the capital was nearly complete – about 85% of the Kampala phase (roughly 2,500 cameras) had been installed. These cameras watch over streets, intersections, and public spaces, feeding video to police control rooms in real time. The system is part of Huawei’s global Safe City initiative which aims to use technology to assist law enforcement in urban areas. Ugandan police officials indicated that after Kampala, the surveillance network would be expanded to all major towns nationwide.

Huawei Ownership

Huawei Technologies is officially a private company that claims to be entirely employee-owned. Its unique ownership structure is highly opaque: roughly 99% of Huawei is held by a trade union committee on behalf of its employees, with founder Ren Zhengfei reportedly owning the remaining 1%​.

Employees are granted virtual shares that entitle them to profit-sharing, but external analyses suggest these shares do not confer typical control or voting rights over the company’s governance​. This structure – ownership via a company labor union committee – is extremely unusual in China, especially for a firm of Huawei’s size​

The lack of transparency about who ultimately controls the trade union committee has fueled questions about whether Huawei’s management or other actors wield true influence over the company​.

Huawei insists no outside entity (including the government) holds any shares and that it is an independent, employee-run enterprise​.

Despite Huawei’s assertions of independence, its ties to the Chinese state and Communist Party are a point of contention. Huawei’s founder, Ren Zhengfei, is a former engineer for the People’s Liberation Army, and he has been a member of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) since the late 1970s. Like many large Chinese companies, Huawei hosts an internal CCP committee or “party cell” among its employees​.

Such party organizations are common in Chinese firms and are meant to ensure the company’s policies align with state and Party objectives​

Western officials often point to Ren’s military background and Party membership as signs that Huawei could be influenced by Beijing. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, for example, alleged in 2019 that Ren was “lying” about Huawei’s lack of government ties​.

Official Rationale and Early Impact

The Ugandan government’s stated rationale for investing in AI-powered surveillance is to strengthen public safety and modernize crime fighting. Police and government officials pointed to a surge in violent crime – including assassinations, robberies, and kidnappings – as justification for the CCTV project. The procurement of the Huawei camera system was explicitly presented as an effort “to reduce violent crime” in the country.

Security agencies quickly touted early successes attributed to the new surveillance tools. In early 2019, as cameras were being installed around Kampala, police reported dozens of incidents already solved or aided by the CCTV footage. Officials claimed the cameras helped investigators make progress on over 40 cases within Kampala’s central and surrounding divisions in a short period, including identifying suspects and vehicles involved in crimes. The Uganda Police Force praised the CCTV network as a significant upgrade for policing, noting that features like facial recognition and automatic number plate reading would enhance their ability to identify criminals and respond swiftly.

Privacy and Political Concerns

Despite the promised security benefits, Uganda’s AI surveillance program has faced heavy criticism from opposition leaders, civil society activists, and privacy advocates. Their concerns center on the potential for abuse of these technologies in a country with a long-ruling government and a history of crackdowns on dissent. Opposition politicians have warned that the nationwide camera network could easily be turned into a tool for political surveillance – used to track and identify government critics under the pretext of public security. Notably, Ugandan police acquired the facial recognition camera system just ahead of contentious general elections in 2021, heightening suspicions about its true purpose.

Privacy rights organizations also objected to the lack of adequate legal safeguards and oversight when the surveillance rollout began. The Kampala-based digital rights group Unwanted Witness criticized the government for rushing to deploy “spy cameras” without an enabling law or clear guidelines, warning that this could “endanger more lives” rather than protect them. Activists pointed out that in the absence of privacy legislation and transparency, the vast data collected by CCTV and facial recognition systems could be leveraged to monitor innocent citizens, stifle free expression, or target political opponents.

Comparative Insights: AI Surveillance in Africa

Uganda is not alone in embracing AI-powered surveillance – similar programs have been launched in other nations, raising parallel debates over security and privacy:

Kenya: Uganda’s neighbor has partnered with Huawei to implement its own Safe City surveillance system, with over 1,800 high-definition cameras installed in Nairobi.

Zimbabwe: The country entered a controversial agreement with CloudWalk Technology to develop a nationwide facial recognition program.

Conclusion

Uganda’s foray into AI-powered surveillance underscores the double-edged sword that such technology represents. Moving forward, ensuring legal protections and oversight will be crucial. Uganda’s experience highlights the broader global challenge of balancing security needs with privacy rights.

The implications of a fully surveilled population are profound. Citizens may experience self-censorship, limiting their freedom of speech and expression out of fear of government retaliation. A climate of mass surveillance could lead to a chilling effect on political dissent, activism, and public assembly. Additionally, extensive surveillance often erodes trust between the government and the public, as people may feel they are being watched at all times, inhibiting open democratic discourse. Without strict safeguards, these technologies could shift from crime prevention tools to instruments of control.

This is just the beginning of our deep dive into the global rise of AI-driven surveillance and its far-reaching implications. As this series continues, we will explore how governments wield AI as a tool for control, the risks it poses to civil liberties, and the growing concerns over privacy and transparency. From predictive policing to mass data collection, we will examine the real-world impact of AI surveillance and what it means for the future of freedom and governance in an increasingly monitored world.

[hicginewsagency]

Police Investigate Pallaso's Attack on Alien Skin's Home in Retaliation.

Kampala Metropolitan police have launched an investigation into the recent attack on the home of musician Patrick Mulwana, also known as Alien Skin, allegedly orchestrated by fellow artist Pius Mayanja, popularly known as Pallaso. According to a statement released by the police spokesperson, Patrick Onyango, the incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, January 2, 2025. Pallaso,…

[oyet]

Over 700 motorists arrested without permits

Police in Kampala Metropolitan have arrested 748 motorcyclists and drivers for driving without valid driving permits.Of the 748 arrested motorists, 714 are bodaboda riders while 34 are drivers. Michael Kananura, the Traffic Police Spokesperson said they have decided to conduct operations against motorists without permits because of the increasing road crashes involving persons who have never…

[lagmennet]

Gasoline Truck Explosion Near Uganda's Capital Kills 11

Investigators gathered evidence at the scene in Kigogwa Town late Tuesday, including the recovery of the remains of victims of a fuel tanker explosion near Kampala, the capital of Uganda. Following an accident, the vehicle crashed and detonated, killing at least 11 people, including two children. Additional information was given by the Kampala Metropolitan North District Police Commander. “A fuel…

[courierusnews]

Development Channel Ponzi Scheme Director, Charles Lambert Re-arrested for Outstanding Debts

Charles Lambert, the 44-year-old British Nigerian, who is also the director of Development Channel, has once again been arrested and is in police custody once again on Tuesday as it’s not just about fraud or money laundering but allegations of accumulating debts exceeding UGx 200 million.

According to sources, the Development Channel has been running an elaborate scheme preying on unsuspecting victims throughout Uganda.

It is said that Police arrested Lambert for the second time in four months, citing his failure to settle debts and a trail of complaints from over 200 individuals who claimed to be victims of the elaborate Ponzi scheme.

The initial arrest in August followed complaints from transport companies, asserting that Lambert owed them Shs 127 million. Richard Kimuli Ssenoga, the head of transporters, revealed that Lambert had hired 63 PRADO SUVs promising daily income of Shs 150,000 to the vehicle owners.

Lambert paid Shs 17 million after the first arrest and pledged to clear the remaining balance in two months. However, he failed to honor his commitment, and the debt snowballed to Shs 213 million.

The creditors, desperate to recover their money, discovered that the Development Channel offices in Bukoto had been shuttered, and all properties liquidated. Sharon Nakkazi, a 24-year-old marketeer, shared her ordeal with the police, stating that she invested US$ 270 in a ‘No Drop Out’ tablet in January 2018, expecting a guaranteed monthly payment of US$ 100 for life. Unfortunately, she has not received any dividends for the past 10 months, prompting her to file a case against Lambert for obtaining money by false pretense.

In a cautionary statement, ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, urged the public to be vigilant against scams, noting that such investment chain companies often collapse when they run out of new recruits or fail to meet promised benefits. Development Channel targeted potential victims through strategic social media posts and infiltrated vulnerable spaces such as churches, schools, hospitals, and job seekers.

[mubahood360]

Food distribution exercise extended to Wakiso district

Food distribution exercise extended to Wakiso district

The ongoing relief food distribution in Kampala Metropolitan Policing Area has been rolled out to parts of Wakiso district.

The exercise is aimed at supporting the most vulnerable families affected by the partial lockdown due to COVID -19. It started in Kawempe Division, Kampala, on 4th April 2020.

The overall commander of the distribution operation, Brig Gen Julius Biryabarema said that the…

[todaynowreport]

Indian national shot dead by off-duty constable in Uganda: Reports

JOHANNESBURG (SOUTH AFRICA): A 39-year-old Indian money lender was shot dead with a stolen AK-47 assault rifle by an off-duty police constable in Uganda’s capital city of Kampala over a 2.1 million shillings (Rs 46,000) loan, media reports said.Kampala Metropolitan Police said that 30-year-old Ivan Wabwire was arrested after he opened fire at Uttam Bhandari on May 12.Chilling footage from the…

[xavierradioug]

Mulago Hospital: Fear As Doctor Goes Missing.

The police in old Kampala are looking for Nakanjako Winfred a doctor working with mulago hospital. It’s noted that the 28yr old doctor disappeared from from her home at kinonya zone Masanafu Lubya parish, Rubaga Division in kampala district. Patrick Onyango the kampala metropolitan Area police spokesperson alleges that Nakanjako Winfred went missing on Wednesday 1st February 2023 at 1:30pm…

[kiggundu]

*{Tv—Show}* Litvinenko S01 2022 Drama 7.4/10 IMDb.com Synopsis… The story of the determined Scotland Yard Officers who worked to prove who was responsible for the death of Alexander Litvinenko, in one of the most complex and dangerous investigations in the history of the Metropolitan Police. Complete Season 01 now available (at Kampala, Uganda) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnoB0hSoL0f/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[mycelebrityandi]

Police have arrested the prime suspect in the viral video in which a teenage girl identified as Pretty Nicloe, was filmed being beaten by her friends over a man in Uganda. In the video which has gone viral on social media, one of the three girls is seen quizzing Nicole and accusing her of sleeping with her boyfriend. The group then pounced on Nicole, slapping, kicking and dragging her on the floor in the house. Trouble began when Nicole started texting her friend's boyfriend and bad mouthing her, alleging that she sleeps around with other men. The boyfriend shared this information with his girlfriend who then tricked Nicole into coming to her place where she was shamed, stripped and beaten badly. Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire, who confirmed the arrest on Tuesday, January 10, said the prime suspect, Kafta Queen,18, handed herself to police at Kensington post. "She said she wanted to apologise for her actions. That is where she was arrested and currently detained at Kira division police station,”Owoyesigyire said. Owoyesigyire told the Nile Post that the suspect admitted to having lured the victim to Kira from where she was beaten by a group that was waiting for her. "The suspect says she invited the victim to attend her birthday celebrations, only to start beating her up with colleagues," According to Nile Post, on Sunday, the prime suspect, Kafta had organized her 18th birthday and among the people she invited was the victim, Nicole. It is said that Kafta asked Nicole to pretend as if she had fallen in love with her (Kafta) boyfriend to test her faithfulness only to find out that the victim was well known to the boyfriend. "Before Nicole came, Kafta asked her friends who had come for the birthday party to hide and when she arrived, they pounced on her by accusing her of sleeping with her boyfriend," Owoyesigyire said. He noted that police is now trying to arrest more suspects involved in the incident after their identities were revealed. #uganda #kampala #assault #mycelebrityandi https://www.instagram.com/p/CnPjXe5rDyh/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[theankoletimes]

Retired Police Chief Sam Omala Dies at Mulago After Long Illness

Retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Sam Omala has passed away. He died this morning at 7:00 AM at Mulago National Referral Hospital after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer and kidney failure, according to Captain Mike Mukula. Omala, who also served as Kampala Metropolitan Police Commander during his time in the force, was widely known for his tough stance during the 2011 “Walk to Work”…

[insideusnet]

Stampede During New Year's Event in Uganda Kills at Least 9 : Inside US

Stampede During New Year’s Event in Uganda Kills at Least 9 : Inside US

KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — A stampede during New Year’s celebrations at a popular mall in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, left at least nine people dead, including children, police said Sunday. The stampede happened at the Freedom City Mall in Namasuba suburb as revelers rushed to watch fireworks. The Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire, said the incident appeared to have…

[hicginewsagency]

Police Deserter Arrested for Motorcycle Theft in Kampala.

By HICGI Staff – Updated at 09:51 EAT on Tuesday 27th Feb 2024 Courtesy Photo: PC Ahabwe Michael The Territorial Police in Kampala Metropolitan Police have apprehended PC Ahabwe Michael, a deserter from CPS Kampala, in connection with the theft of a motorcycle belonging to a boda boda rider identified as Walusimbi Samuel. The arrest comes after the motorcycle was reported stolen following a…

[oyet]

Judiciary driver arrested over audios on poor salaries

A driver employed by the Judiciary, Stanley Kisambira, has been arrested by the police in Kampala to facilitate an investigation into his recorded claims made in audio clips. Owoyesigyire confirmed arrest of driver According to Luke Owoyesigyire, the Deputy Police Spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan, the police opened a General inquiry file on Monday evening at Central Police Station to…

[mubashirnews]

Stampede during New Year's event in Uganda kills at least 9

Stampede during New Year’s event in Uganda kills at least 9

KAMPALA, Uganda — A stampede during New Year’s celebrations at a popular mall in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, left at least nine people dead, including children, police said Sunday. The stampede happened at the Freedom City Mall in Namasuba suburb as revelers rushed to watch fireworks. The Kampala Metropolitan deputy police spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire, said the incident appeared to have…