news 16 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Karimojong Warrior Hands Over SMG Gun to Priest After Family Cattle Seizure
A 28-year-old warrior from Kotido District surrendered his SMG firearm to a local Catholic priest following the impoundment of 107 cattle from his family amid investigations into a highway robbery. Police praised the voluntary disarmament and noted ongoing efforts to recover illegal guns in Karamoja. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/karimojong-warrior-surrenders-gun-to-church-5426116
A suspected warrior linked to an armed ambush on the Kotido-Kaabong road has voluntarily surrendered his weapon to church authorities. Loluk Lokwalipan, 28, from Nachumar village in Longaroe Sub County, Kotido District, handed over an SMG gun (serial NO 0579) to Fr Raphael Loberei of Kokoria Parish on Wednesday.
This action followed a joint police and army operation on April 2, 2026, which seized 107 head of cattle and donkeys from his family. The impoundment stemmed from a highway robbery on April 1 along the Kaabong-Kotido road, with Lokwalipan and others allegedly involved.
Moroto Police Spokesperson Mr Mike Longole described the surrender as a positive step. The gun was officially transferred to the Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Mr John Lukooki Magezi. The family’s animals remain held to aid further investigations and potential weapon recoveries.
Security forces continue active disarmament drives in Karamoja to boost regional safety. They commended community and religious leaders for promoting voluntary surrenders. Mr Longole stressed that illegal firearm possession is a crime, but an amnesty window allows prosecution-free handovers.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)