Security agencies in Kaabong District have arrested three suspects, including a man believed to be a notorious armed raider and commander of local warriors, following an intelligence-led operation conducted on April 17.
According to a statement shared by the Uganda Police Force via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the operation was carried out by a joint team comprising the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said security agencies received intelligence at around 5:00pm indicating that a suspected armed commander was drinking waragi at Napeikodo Centre in Lomeris Parish, Kaabong West Sub-county.
“The operation resulted in the arrest of three suspects,” Rusoke said, adding that among those apprehended was Ngora Alinga Lonyangateba, a resident of Morulem Village, who is believed to be a key figure in armed raids in the area.
During preliminary interrogation, Lonyangateba reportedly admitted to possessing a firearm and provided leads on other individuals believed to be in possession of the weapon.
All three suspects were subsequently transferred to the UPDF 45 Battalion Headquarters in Kaabong for further management and ongoing investigations.
Security agencies said operations are still underway to recover the firearm and apprehend additional suspects linked to criminal activities in the region.
The Karamoja sub-region, where Kaabong lies, has in recent years experienced intermittent insecurity linked to armed cattle rustling, prompting intensified joint security operations.
