By Norbert Mao & Micheal Ojok
The Territorial Police in Lira District have handed over 2 Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, UPDF officers to the 5th Division Headquarters following allegations of assault and other criminal activities in Ogur Sub-county.
The incident occurred on January, 12th in Addu Village, Ogur Parish, Ogur Sub-county, after police received reports that a group of UPDF soldiers were allegedly assaulting members of the public and supporters of the Area Member of Parliament, Honorable Akello Christine, also known as Gwok Adako.
According to police, the District Police Commander immediately deployed teams to the area to verify the reports. The Police encountered a UPDF pick-up truck moving at high speed, with its number plate deliberately covered in mud. The vehicle ignored police orders to stop and continued its movement.
Akello Christine later followed up the matter up to Agweng Town Council, where she identified herself to the soldiers. One of the officers allegedly threatened her with a firearm.
She alerted the District Police Commander and the District Internal Security Officer, who coordinated efforts to intercept the suspects. However, the vehicle reportedly bypassed several security checkpoints.
The suspects were eventually pursued to Lira City, where they diverted to Lira City Central Police Station and were immediately arrested while the security leadership, including the Sector Commander, Division Intelligence Officer, and the Regional Internal Security Officer, were informed and responded.
During the operation, three sacks of kitenge materials were recovered and later handed over to Akello Christine as the suspects claimed they were acting on orders from a superior officer.
The North Kyoga Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police, ASP Patrick Jimmy Okema confirmed the report and said the police handed over the suspects to the UPDF 5th Division Headquarters for further investigations and disciplinary action under military procedures.
Police have strongly condemned all forms of violence, especially acts allegedly committed by those tasked with protecting the public, and assured the public of continued engagement with UPDF leadership to prevent similar incidents.
