A joint security operation has scored a significant breakthrough in the fight against violent crime after the Uganda Police Force, working alongside the Flying Squad and other security agencies, recovered an AK-47 rifle believed to have been used in a series of aggravated robberies in Lamwo District and neighboring areas.
The recovery follows weeks of intelligence-led investigations into aggravated robbery cases registered under Lamwo CRB 514/2025 and CRB 481/2025, in which victims were shot and motorcycles stolen by armed criminals.
The breakthrough came after the arrest of Okwera Emmanuel Joseph, alias “Kiringit,” a South Sudanese national residing at Paluda Refugee Settlement in Lamwo District, on June 21, 2026. During interrogation, investigators obtained information that led a joint security team across the border to Abuloro Village in Pajok Payam, Magwi County, South Sudan, where the suspect allegedly directed officers to the concealed weapon.
The recovery operation was conducted after Ugandan security agencies formally coordinated with their counterparts in the Republic of South Sudan, highlighting the growing cooperation between the two countries in combating cross-border crime.
Security teams recovered an AK-47 rifle bearing Serial Number M70AB2, marked “1984, ZASTAVA-KRAGUJEVAC, Yugoslavia,” along with a magazine loaded with 12 rounds of live ammunition.
Police documented the recovery scene before securing the firearm and ammunition as exhibits. The weapon will now undergo forensic ballistic examination to determine whether it was used in the robbery incidents currently under investigation in Lamwo and surrounding districts.
Investigators have also uncovered suspected cross-border criminal networks involved in disposing of stolen motorcycles. Several motorcycles previously recovered by Lamwo Police and linked to robbery cases under investigation in Gulu West Division have since been handed over to the relevant investigators for further case management.
The suspect remains in police custody as detectives continue pursuing other members of the suspected criminal network and efforts to recover additional evidence.
The Uganda Police Force praised the strong collaboration among the joint security teams and the support provided by South Sudanese security authorities, describing the operation as a major milestone in strengthening regional efforts against transnational crime.
Police have appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and continue sharing credible information that can help prevent and combat violent crime, assuring citizens that all information provided will be handled with strict confidentiality.
Investigations into the case remain ongoing.
