Security forces in Arua City have recovered two illegal firearms and arrested two suspects in separate operations targeting the rise in gun-related crimes across the region.
The joint operation, conducted by the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), comes in response to a wave of robberies and violent criminal activities threatening local communities.
In the first incident, Atabua Patrick, 46, a boda-boda rider and resident of Maracha Cell, Ayivu East Division, was arrested on Friday, November 21, at Odramacaku Trading Centre near the Uganda-DR Congo border in Ayivu West Division.
According to Police Spokesperson for the West Nile Region, Josephine Angucia, Atabua’s arrest followed intelligence linking him to a group suspected of carrying out aggravated robberies using firearms.
“We received information that armed robbers were planning to target a truck delivering beer to Odramacaku Trading Centre.
A team of police officers and UPDF personnel responded promptly and intercepted the suspect before he could carry out the robbery,” Angucia said.
During the operation, Atabua was found in possession of an AK-47 rifle, serial number 052956-2956, along with 50 rounds of live ammunition.
Police later conducted a search at his residence in Maracha Cell, Yapi Ward, as part of ongoing investigations.
A case file for illegal possession of a firearm has been opened under Arua CPS CRB 832/2025.
The suspect has been detained at Arua Central Police Station (CPS), where the firearm has been exhibited and relevant statements recorded.
Additionally, the motorcycle allegedly used by Atabua to transport the firearm, TVS Star number UGC 172T, has been impounded and is now in police custody.
In a separate operation, another suspect, Asiimwe Bension, was arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm.
He was intercepted on November 2, 2025, at around 7:45 pm, at Nsambya Shell petrol station in Arua City Central Division while attempting to board a vehicle bound for Kampala.
Asiimwe was found with an AK-47 rifle, serial number A83110111, and two magazines under Arua CPS SD ref 43/2/11/2025.
Angucia commended both the officers and members of the public for their vigilance.
“We commend the quick action of the security personnel and thank members of the public for sharing information regarding illegal firearms. We urge anyone still in possession of guns for criminal activities to surrender them to security forces immediately,” she said.
Both suspects remain in custody, and the recovered firearms have been officially exhibited as investigations continue.
