Police in Lamwo District have arrested two suspects linked to a string of motorcycle robberies in Lira City and Gulu City, recovering stolen property and suspected crime tools in the process.
The suspects have been identified as Kilama Robert (27), a resident of Lwaya Village, Ogili Sub-county in Lamwo District, described as the alleged ringleader of the robbery network, and Oweka Gerald, who is suspected to have been involved in handling and redistributing stolen motorcycles.
The duo was arrested on Monday at about 10:00pm during an intelligence-led operation commanded by SP Magombe Reagan, the District Police Commander (DPC) of Lamwo. The operation involved coordinated intelligence gathering and strategic deployment of officers, culminating in the mounting of a checkpoint at Apyeta Bridge, a key transit route towards South Sudan.
According to a police statement, on February 18, 2026, at about 8:30pm, a motorcycle robbery occurred in the Railway area of Lira City. A boda boda rider identified as Okello Moses was reportedly attacked and left unconscious, and his motorcycle, registration number UGH 245H, was stolen. He was later admitted to a medical facility in Lira City for treatment.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident was linked to a wider criminal network suspected of carrying out multiple motorcycle thefts in Lira and Gulu, with some of the stolen motorcycles allegedly trafficked across the border into South Sudan.
During interrogation, Kilama reportedly admitted involvement in several motorcycle robberies in Lira and Gulu.
A search conducted at premises linked to the suspects led to the recovery of one red Bajaj Boxer motorcycle without a registration number, suspected to be stolen, several motorcycle number plates believed to have been removed from stolen motorcycles, relevant documents, and suspected breaking implements believed to have been used in the commission of the crimes.
The recovered number plates include: UGF 193J, UGH 918M, UMA 367BC, UFS 918F, UGA 101H, and UGA 069H.
Police say verification of the recovered number plates is ongoing in coordination with relevant authorities to establish ownership and determine where the motorcycles were stolen.
SP Magombe confirmed that the suspects remain in custody pending further investigations, adding that efforts are underway to apprehend other individuals believed to be connected to the network.
He urged members of the public who previously owned motorcycles bearing the listed number plates, or who reported similar theft cases, to come forward and follow up on their cases, noting that the suspects linked to the incidents are now in custody.
