Joint security forces in Lamwo district have recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with 12 rounds of ammunition during an ongoing operation targeting a suspected criminal network linked to a string of motorcycle thefts and cross-border crime.
The recovery was made as security personnel intensified operations against suspects believed to be responsible for stealing motorcycles from different parts of northern Uganda and smuggling them across the border into South Sudan for sale.
According to security officials, the latest operation was triggered by intelligence-led investigations into the theft of a motorcycle, registration number UAC 799E, which was reportedly stolen from Gulu City.
Investigators tracked the suspect’s movements through Palabek Refugee Settlement before he diverted through Wallego and Nyimur sub-counties in an apparent attempt to evade security surveillance.
Authorities said the suspect later resurfaced in Palabek town council, where he allegedly abandoned the stolen motorcycle before fleeing into a nearby bush as security officers closed in.
A joint team of the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) immediately launched a coordinated search operation, during which the AK-47 rifle and 12 rounds of ammunition were recovered.
The suspect remains at large, with security forces maintaining a cordon in the area as the search continues.
Lamwo Resident District Commissioner William Komakech described the recovery as a significant breakthrough in efforts to dismantle organised criminal groups operating along the Uganda–South Sudan border.
He urged members of the public whose motorcycles may have been stolen particularly the owner of motorcycle registration UAC 799E to report to Lamwo Central Police Station to assist with identification and recovery procedures.
“We call upon anyone whose motorcycle has been stolen, especially the owner of registration number UAC 799E, to come to Lamwo Police Station for identification. We also appeal to the public to continue sharing information with security agencies because community cooperation remains critical in fighting crime,” Komakech said.
Security officials believe the suspects are part of a wider cross-border criminal syndicate that steals motorcycles in Uganda before transporting them into South Sudan, where they are allegedly sold. The suspects are then believed to return to Uganda to continue their operations.
According to the RDC, recent security operations have already resulted in the arrest of several suspects connected to the network and the recovery of at least five firearms, indicating that the group is armed and potentially dangerous.
He said the latest firearm recovery strengthens ongoing investigations and demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led security operations in disrupting organised crime within the district.
Security agencies have reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling criminal networks involved in armed robbery and cross-border motorcycle theft, warning that all suspects will be pursued and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Residents have also been encouraged to remain vigilant, report suspicious individuals or activities, and cooperate with security personnel as investigations continue.
Authorities say sustained collaboration between security agencies and local communities will be essential in curbing cross-border crime and improving public safety in Lamwo district and the surrounding region.
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