Police have arrested 32 suspects during an intelligence-led operation targeting suspected criminal gangs accused of terrorising residents and business operators in Lira City.
The operation, conducted on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, by officers from Lira City Central Police Station under North Kyoga Region, covered Railway Quarters, Labour Line, Kitgum Stage and areas surrounding Lira Bus Park.
According to police, the crackdown followed intelligence reports indicating that suspected criminal gangs had been targeting members of the public, waylaying people at their homes and business premises.
North Kyoga Region Police spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema said some of the suspects were arrested in the act, including individuals allegedly found skinning a suspected stolen goat at night at Kitgum Stage.
Other suspects were reportedly arrested while allegedly preparing to carry out robberies. Police said they recovered suspected dangerous weapons, including pangas and hammers, as well as opium.
All the 32 suspects are currently detained at Lira City Central Police Station pending screening and further police action.
Okema said the operation was part of police efforts to dismantle suspected criminal networks operating within Lira City and its surrounding areas.
He reassured the public of police commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety and security of people across North Kyoga Region.