Kotido, Uganda | Joint security forces comprising the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) and the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs–Uganda People’s Defence Forces (MODVA–UPDF) have recovered an illegal firearm in an intelligence-led operation conducted on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
The operation resulted in the forceful recovery of a submachine gun (SMG) rifle loaded with a single round of ammunition from a 68-year-old man identified as Lolem Lopusiteba, a resident of Kanamwar Village in Longaroe Sub-county, Kotido District.
Security officials said the recovery is linked to ongoing investigations into a recent highway robbery along the Kaabong–Kotido road.
The suspect’s son, Locheng Apalothia, is alleged to have used the firearm in the incident.
Earlier, on April 2, 2026, joint forces impounded 107 head of cattle and three donkeys from the same village in connection with the robbery, in a move authorities described as part of efforts to dismantle criminal networks in the area.
The recovered firearm, along with the suspect, is currently in UPDF custody pending further management.
Security agencies say disarmament and enforcement operations remain ongoing across the Karamoja sub-region as part of broader efforts to curb illegal possession of firearms and restore peace and stability within communities.
