Joint security forces have recovered three submachine guns (SMGs) in separate operations in Kotido District, with two suspects voluntarily surrendering their firearms and another gun recovered during an intelligence-led operation. The recoveries were made on October 18 and 19, 2026, in Rengen and Kacheri sub-counties as security agencies intensify efforts to curb cattle raids and illegal possession of firearms in the Karamoja sub-region.
Mt Moroto Regional Police spokesperson Mike Longole said the first gun, an SMG with serial number 69030161 and three rounds of ammunition, was voluntarily surrendered at about 10 am on October 18 by Lonya Apangakiria, a resident of Nariamatolim Village in Longaroe Sub-county, Kotido District.
The firearm was handed over through the Lopuyo Parish Peace Committee, led by LC5 councillor Patrick Korobe. Longole said Apangakiria was a wanted suspect linked to the raid of 23 head of cattle from Sidok Sub-county in Kaabong District on October 10.
In a separate incident at about 2 pm on the same day, another SMG was voluntarily surrendered by Lonkwangoria Lokalany, 30, a resident of Natir Village in Maaru Sub-county, Kotido District. The firearm was handed over through the office of the Kotido Resident District Commissioner, represented by Assistant RDC Abraham Lokwii.
According to Longole, Lokalany and other suspects still at large are linked to cattle raids in Agago, Kitgum and Abim districts, as well as poaching in Kidepo Valley National Park. The third firearm was recovered at about 10 am on October 19 during an intelligence-led operation by joint security forces in Lokwasinyon Parish.Longole said security personnel recovered an SMG bearing serial number NK 6323, marked as being on cover, without ammunition, from two suspects identified as Lopor Awii, 25, and Joseph Longok, 24, both residents of Lobore Village in Rengen Town Board Parish.
The operation also resulted in the impounding of 25 head of cattle. The suspects reportedly surrendered the firearm following the security operation. The animals are being held at the UPDF 49 Battalion headquarters in Kacheri pending identification and handover to their rightful owners.
Longole confirmed the three recoveries, commending local leaders and peace committees for supporting efforts to encourage the voluntary surrender of illegal firearms. He said the two suspects involved in the voluntary surrender of firearms had cooperated with security agencies, while the suspects linked to the third recovery had been pardoned under the Presidential Amnesty as part of ongoing efforts to encourage the surrender of illegal guns.
“The joint security forces commend the local leadership, peace committees and the community for their cooperation and reiterate their commitment to continue community engagements, dialogues and barazas to increase voluntary gun recoveries,” Longole said.
In a related development, the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) recovered three head of cattle suspected to have been stolen in Nakapiripirit District on October 19. Longole said ASTU personnel attached to Kakomongole Zonal Headquarters recovered the animals at about 5 pm while returning from a routine foot patrol in Looi Village, Akuyam Parish, Kakomongole Sub-county.
He said suspected raiders, believed to be armed warriors from the Pian community, abandoned the cattle and fled towards the Tokora area after spotting the patrol team. The animals were secured at Kakomongole Zonal Headquarters for safe custody.
According to Longole, preliminary information indicates that the cattle belong to members of the Pokot community from Amudat District who are currently grazing their animals in Nakapiripirit. “Efforts are underway in collaboration with GISOs, local leaders, Peace Committees and sister security forces to identify the rightful owners,” Longole said. He commended security personnel for their vigilance and appealed to the public to continue providing timely information to help curb livestock theft and other crimes in the region-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
