Eight Arrested, Two Guns Seized in Acholi Security Crackdown

Security forces in Uganda’s Acholi sub-region have apprehended eight individuals and recovered two sub-machine gun rifles as part of an intensive three-week operation targeting armed criminal gangs. The crackdown, involving the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), police, and the Internal Security Organisation (ISO), focused on Gulu City and the districts of Nwoya, Omoro, and Gulu.

According to Captain David Kamya, UPDF 4th Division public information officer, the operation was a direct response to an escalation of armed criminal activities that have destabilized local communities. The recovered firearms, along with 30 rounds of ammunition, are believed to be linked to a series of violent crimes, including murders, attempted murders, and aggravated robberies.

Among the arrested are six suspects from Nwoya district, whose identities have been released, and two others whose information is being withheld due to ongoing investigations. One suspect, Daniel Komakech, died after sustaining injuries when he allegedly attempted to disarm a security officer during the operation. He was reportedly found in possession of wildlife trophies, suggesting a potential link to poaching activities in neighboring Murchison Falls National Park.

The arrested individuals are also suspected of involvement in recent high-profile killings, including the shooting of a security guard in Gulu City, a businessman in Awach Town Council, and a mobile money agent in Omoro district. The investigation also aims to recover a firearm stolen from a security guard during an attack on a fuel station in Gulu City in May.

Despite the progress, security officials cite challenges such as limited police mobility and a lack of community cooperation due to fear of reprisal as hindrances to ongoing efforts to combat gun crime in the region.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/two-guns-recovered-8-arrested-in-crackdown-against-armed-gangs-in-acholi-5503936