Kampala — The UPDF yesterday offered curious public praise for the police crackdown on city criminals, moments after retracting a press statement in which the army announced it was itching to join the hunt for the urban rogues.

"It should be noted that the Police has done a commendable job," Major Paddy Ankunda, the Defence and Army Spokesman said, "[because] latest [crime] statistics show that the crime rate [in the city] has reduced tremendously."

Following reports of increased house break-ins and night robberies in suburban areas like Ntinda, Kisaasi, Kawempe and Nansaana in which the victims are either killed, raped or clobbered, the police intensified operations, which have resulted in the arrest of at least 350 suspects.

In his follow up press release, Maj. Ankunda said the army would stay put because Kampala is not yet swamped by armed robbers as perceived in the public domain and that Uganda Police Force personnel are in control of the situation.