Authorities in Kotido District have destroyed 126 jerrycans of illicit waragi impounded by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) while being transported into the district. The destruction was carried out on October 19, 2026, at about 2 pm at the 405 Brigade East Village in Kanair Sub-county, following a court order issued by Kotido Chief Magistrate Eunice Akullu.
The alcohol was intercepted on October 5, 2026, at Lokwasinyon Village in Napeikar Parish, Kacheri Sub-county, while being transported in a motor vehicle with registration number UA 686BY. Ahmad Hassan Kato, the Public Information Officer for the UPDF 3rd Division, confirmed the destruction, saying seven suspects linked to the transportation of the illicit waragi had also been arrested.
The suspects were identified as Scovia Ingena, Innocent Okello, Daniel Oyit, Daniel Omara, Michael Okello, Sam Obua and Moris Awio. They were charged under Kotido Criminal Registration Book (CRB) 269/2026. The destruction was conducted under Criminal Case No. 138/2026 before the Kotido Chief Magistrate’s Court, in the presence of Resident State Attorney Ignatius Omaset and members of the district security committee.
Kato said the vehicle used to transport the alcohol was handed back to its owner after proof of ownership was established. “The exercise was presided over by the district security committee team and witnessed by Her Worship Akullu Eunice, Chief Magistrate Kotido. The exercise ended successfully as the joint security force remains vigilant,” Kato said. The operation forms part of joint security efforts to curb the transportation of illicit alcohol into Kotido District-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
