Two Firearms Recovered as Security Intensifies War on Armed Gangs in Acholi

Security agencies in northern Uganda say they have recovered two firearms and arrested eight suspects during a joint operation targeting a surge in armed robberies and killings across the Acholi sub-region.

The three-week operation, led by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), the police and the Internal Security Organisation (ISO), focused on Gulu City as well as the districts of Gulu, Omoro and Nwoya.

According to the military, the intelligence-led crackdown was launched following a series of violent attacks that have left residents and security officials increasingly concerned.

In a statement released over the weekend, the UPDF identified six of the suspects arrested in Nwoya District, while withholding the identities of two others due to ongoing investigations.

The operation also led to the recovery of two sub-machine guns, 30 rounds of ammunition and other military equipment believed to have been used in criminal activities.

Capt David Kamya, the public information officer of the UPDF Fourth Infantry Division, said the operation was conducted in response to a growing wave of armed violence in the region.

“It was in response to escalating armed criminal activities that have adversely affected security and local communities in the region,” he said.

Authorities said the suspects are being investigated for offences including murder, attempted murder, aggravated robbery, theft of firearms and unlawful possession of government stores.

One of the suspects, identified as Daniel Komakech, died after being shot during an encounter with security personnel in Purongo on 18 June.

According to a security source, Komakech was injured while allegedly attempting to seize a firearm from an officer.

“Komakech was rushed to the UPDF 4th Division army hospital in Gulu City for treatment but died. He attempted to grab a gun from one of our officers and that prompted the use of reasonable force against him,” the source said.

Investigators believe some of the recovered weapons may have been used in a series of high-profile attacks that have unsettled communities in recent months.

The suspects have also been linked to poaching activities inside Murchison Falls National Park after wildlife trophies were reportedly recovered during the operation.

Security officials say they are examining possible connections between the group and several deadly incidents, including the killing of a security guard in Gulu City, the fatal shooting of a businessman in Awach Town Council and an attack on a mobile money operator in Omoro District.

The crackdown follows a string of violent crimes that have left security agencies struggling to contain armed gangs operating across parts of Acholi, Lango and West Nile.

Among the unresolved cases is the theft of a firearm from a security guard at a fuel station in Gulu City during an attack that left a private security officer dead in May. The weapon has not yet been recovered, and suspects captured on CCTV footage remain at large.

Other recent incidents include armed robberies in Omoro District, attacks on civilians and the theft of a police rifle from an officer’s residence at Lalogi Police Station in May.

Local leaders say the fight against armed crime is being hampered by logistical challenges and limited public cooperation.

Peter Banya, the Deputy Resident City Commissioner for Pece-Laroo Division in Gulu City, said police operations are being affected by a shortage of transport.

“The challenge that we have in the city is that the police have a problem with mobility. They don’t have transport, and that has affected their operations so much to the extent that sometimes we feel maybe that is the reason why the violence has increased, because there’s a gap in mobility of the police,” Mr Banya stated.

He also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by sharing information about criminal activity.

“There’s a joint operation between the UPDF and Uganda police handling some of these incidents, but it’s taking a lot of time because our other challenge is that the local people are not speaking; someone sees somebody somewhere doing something, but they fear coming out and revealing to us for fear of reprisal,” Mr Banya noted.

Security agencies say investigations are continuing as they work to recover more weapons and identify other suspects believed to be involved in the attacks.