By Stephen Ojacor
Security operatives in Soroti district have confirmed the recovery of a gun believed to have been used in the shooting of LC3 Chairperson for Gweri Sub-County, Simon Peter Opolot, and the murder of LC1 Chairman for Omirio Ward, Francis Ederu.
The Resident District Commissioner of Soroti, Mr. Paul Eseru, confirmed that the pistol, which was used by the assailants, was found on Sunday, buried in a cassava garden, still cocked with two bullets.
This development follows a rigorous operation by joint security forces, led by the Resident District Commissioner for Soroti, the Resident City Commissioner for Soroti City, the Uganda Police, and the UPDF.
The incident follows a recent attack on the LC3 Chairman, Simon Peter Opolot, who survived a targeted shooting on Tuesday, December 2, 2024.
On the same night, LC1 Chairman of Omirio Cell, Francis Ederu, was shot and later succumbed to his injuries at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital after spending several hours in the intensive care unit.
Speaking to our reporter, Peter Pex Park, the Resident City Commissioner for Soroti City, revealed that the recovered gun belongs to a private security company based in Kampala.
“We arrested three suspects who guided the recovery of this pistol,” he said.
Confidential sources within the security sector have revealed that the pistol has already gone through scientific verification and has been confirmed to have been used by the assailants.
Kyoga Regional Police Commander (RPC) Damali Nachuha confirmed, “So far, three suspects have been arrested to guide the investigations as the law takes its course.”
It is also revealed that the prime suspect, identified as Okiror, along with three others, is still at large.
Police are appealing to the public for cooperation to ensure their arrest.