A joint operation by Uganda’s army and police has led to the recovery of two firearms from youth accused of terrorizing local communities in Kaabong District, authorities said on Tuesday.
The second rifle was recovered on Monday evening at Nanyangaese Rock Cave in Toroae Village, Losogolo Parish, Kaabong East Sub-county, from a man police identified as a ‘notorious warrior’, Lorot Lemu.
The weapon was loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition, according to IP Mike Longole, the police public relations officer for the Mt Moroto region and the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU).
‘The suspect was arrested at the Kaabong cattle market by ASTU personnel from Kaabong CPS Operation Squad, led by D/Cpl Opale Isaac. He later led the joint security team to Nanyangaese Rock cave, where the gun was recovered,’ IP Longole told Monitor.
The first operation occurred on Sunday, February 1, when an SMG rifle with a single round of ammunition was recovered from another armed youth, Guti Lopul, in Lomunyang Village, Teregu Parish, Kathile Town Council.
The suspect had been terrorizing Kathile and Morungole sub-counties through road ambushes and robberies.
‘The gun was surrendered to local leaders, who handed it over to security personnel,’ IP Longole said, adding that these operations mark progress toward lasting peace in Karamoja.
For decades, the Karamoja sub-region has faced insecurity linked to heavily armed communities and cattle raids.
However, ongoing disarmament by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has reduced attacks and allowed residents to carry out their daily lives with greater security, police and army officials maintain.
‘Karamoja is heading toward enduring peace thanks to security operations and swift intelligence in identifying the wrong elements in the communities,’ IP Longole noted.
Authorities emphasized that continued vigilance is necessary to maintain the fragile calm in the area, as some youth remain armed and pose potential threats to local residents.