Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has announced a new security crackdown dubbed Operation Kisasi, targeting suspected murderers, robbers and rapists across Uganda. The military chief says the operation will continue until those responsible for violent crimes are dealt with, raising concerns over his stated intention to bypass the country’s judicial system.
Muhoozi announced the operation in posts on X on October 17, 2026, declaring that security forces had begun a campaign against criminals accused of terrorising innocent citizens. He vowed that the operation would not stop until its objectives had been achieved, signalling an aggressive approach to addressing violent crime.
In one of his posts, Muhoozi stated that authorities would not waste time taking suspects to court, suggesting that security forces would handle them directly. His remarks have drawn attention to the potential implications of the operation, particularly regarding the constitutional rights of suspects and the role of the courts in administering justice.
The army chief also referred to the campaign as “Operation Sasi ku Nyama,” a Luganda expression meaning “bullet to flesh.” He said the operation would focus on individuals suspected of committing murder, robbery and rape, crimes that have continued to generate public concern over the safety of communities.
To explain the approach, Muhoozi compared the planned crackdown to military operations conducted against the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), the rebel group led by Joseph Kony that waged a prolonged insurgency in northern Uganda. The conflict was marked by killings, abductions and widespread suffering among civilians, prompting sustained military efforts to defeat the group.
However, the history of the LRA conflict also demonstrates the importance of judicial accountability in addressing serious crimes. In August 2024, Uganda’s High Court convicted former LRA commander Thomas Kwoyelo of 44 offences, including murder, rape and kidnapping, in a landmark case involving a senior figure from the rebel group.
Muhoozi’s declaration that suspects will not be taken to court raises questions about how Operation Kisasi will be implemented and whether individuals arrested during the crackdown will receive the protections guaranteed under Uganda’s Constitution. The principle of a fair trial requires that criminal suspects be accorded due process, while allegations of wrongdoing must be established through lawful procedures.
As the operation unfolds, its impact will likely be measured not only by its ability to combat violent crime but also by how security agencies handle suspects and respect the rule of law. Although the fight against murder, robbery and rape remains a critical public safety concern, the manner in which authorities pursue suspected offenders will be central to determining whether Operation Kisasi delivers justice while upholding constitutional protections.
