Two men have been arrested in northern Uganda’s Lamwo District for allegedly attempting to smuggle a firearm across the border into South Sudan through an unofficial crossing point, security officials have confirmed.
The suspects—27-year-old Isaac Okunga from Akor Village in Lira District and Gabriel Lokoroma from Pobel Village in Lamwo Town Council—were apprehended by Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) personnel on Friday morning at Waligo Checkpoint, near the Uganda–South Sudan border.
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According to UPDF 5th Division spokesperson Capt. Edrin Mawanda, Okunga was found in possession of a submachine gun (SMG) with serial number 25456, loaded with five rounds of ammunition. The weapon was reportedly being transported on a red Bajaj Boxer motorcycle, registration UEY 428G, which was being ridden by Lokoroma.
The two suspects were detained at the Bravo Battalion Headquarters in Ngomoromo and are expected to be handed over to police for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Lt Col Mubangizi Ipolito, commander of the 1 DUMISHA Brigade, praised the troops for their alertness and warned that any individuals found with illegal firearms would face legal consequences. He urged continued vigilance along Uganda’s borders.
The arrest comes just weeks after a similar incident in the same district. On 7 July, UPDF forces from Alpha Battalion arrested 24-year-old Charles Okot during a routine foot patrol in Agoro Sub-county. Okot, who had reportedly been threatening local residents, later led the army to a location where he had hidden an SMG rifle, six rounds of ammunition, a bayonet, and military clothing, including a uniform resembling that of the South Sudanese army.
Lamwo District, which borders South Sudan, contains more than 20 ungazetted crossing points. Security officials say these routes are often exploited for arms trafficking and other criminal activity.
Speaking on the issue, Lamwo Resident District Commissioner William Komakech described the presence of illegal firearms in the region as a persistent security challenge, noting their use in cattle thefts and other crimes. He added that joint security operations have recently made progress in disrupting trafficking networks and maintaining stability along the northern border.
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