Arms Trafficking Route Disrupted at Lamwo Border

(LAMWO DISTRICT) – Ugandan security forces have arrested two men suspected of attempting to smuggle a firearm into neighbouring South Sudan through an ungazetted entry point in Lamwo District.

The suspects, identified as Isaac Okunga, 27, of Akor Village in Lira District, and Gabriel Lokoroma of Pobel Village in Lamwo Town Council, were apprehended on Friday morning by Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) personnel at Waligo Checkpoint, located near the Uganda-South Sudan border.

According to security reports, Okunga was found carrying a Sub-Machine Gun (SMG) with serial number 25456 and five rounds of ammunition. The weapon was hidden on a red Bajaj Boxer motorcycle with registration number UEY 428G, which Lokoroma was riding.

Captain Edrin Mawanda, Public Information Officer for UPDF’s 5th Division, confirmed that both suspects were detained and are currently being held at Bravo Battalion Headquarters in Ngomoromo. They are expected to be handed over to police for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Lt Col Mubangizi Ipolito, Commander of the 1 DUMISHA Brigade, warned that the illegal possession and movement of firearms is a serious crime and vowed that offenders would be brought to justice. He commended the troops for their vigilance and called for continued collaboration to protect national security.

This latest seizure marks the second recovery of an illegal weapon in Lamwo District within a month. On 7 July, UPDF troops from Alpha Battalion arrested Charles Okot, 24, a resident of Irumo Village in Agoro Sub-county. Okot had reportedly been involved in criminal activities and was captured during a night patrol.

Following his arrest, Okot led the army to the location where he had hidden a cache of weapons and military equipment. Recovered items included another SMG rifle (serial number 56-121201110), six rounds of ammunition, a bayonet, a UPDF T-shirt and a military uniform resembling that of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).

Lamwo District, which borders South Sudan, contains more than 20 unofficial border crossings. Security officials say these ungazetted routes are often used by criminals engaged in illegal arms trafficking, cattle rustling and other cross border crimes.

Lamwo Resident District Commissioner William Komakech, who chairs the District Security Committee, said that the circulation of illegal weapons poses a serious threat to peace and stability in the region. He noted that some of the smuggled firearms have been used in violent raids and armed robberies.