Overview:
The suspects, aged between 18 and 26, were identified as Ronald Ogwal, Dan Ogwang, Jasper Tema, Justine Ogang, Bonny Ogwal, Rogers Otim, Rolex Otim, and Daniel Ogang. All are residents of Arwot 'A' Cell and neighboring areas within Arwot Ward, Etam Town Council.
Police in Amolatar District have arrested eight youth for alleged involvement in criminal activities.They were picked in an intelligence-led operation targeting suspected members of an organized criminal gang that is terrorizing residents of Etam Town Council.
The suspects, aged between 18 and 26, were identified as Ronald Ogwal, Dan Ogwang, Jasper Tema, Justine Ogang, Bonny Ogwal, Rogers Otim, Rolex Otim, and Daniel Ogang. All are residents of Arwot ‘A’ Cell and neighboring areas within Arwot Ward, Etam Town Council.
According to Jimmy Patrick Okema, the North Kyoga Region Police Spokesperson, the Saturday operation followed numerous complaints from members of the public.
He noted that residents had raised concerns over a string of incidents, including waylaying of pedestrians, bag snatching, rape, theft and threats of violence allegedly perpetrated by the group.
The eight suspects are currently being held on a charge of threatening violence. The charge relates to an incident that reportedly occurred on February 27, 2026, at around 9:00pm at Arwot Trading Centre.
Police allege that the suspects threatened Opon Nelson, a 49-year-old resident of Arwot A Cell, after he reportedly identified them as members of a gang operating in the area. The matter was reported to Etam Town Council Police Station.
Investigations are ongoing to gather further evidence from the community and that additional charges are likely to be preferred upon completion of inquiries.
“The District CID Officer and his team are compiling the case file to ensure successful prosecution,” he noted.
He said the Community Liaison Officer has been tasked to intensify community policing initiatives targeting organized criminal gangs and to strengthen collaboration between police and the public.
“Monitoring and intelligence-led operations will continue to enhance security and maintain law and order in Etam Town Council and the district at large,” he said.
He emphasized that the police remain committed to dismantling organized criminal gangs and restoring public confidence in the affected areas.
“We urge members of the community to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and credible information to support ongoing investigations, and any person found engaging in criminal activities will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” Okema warned.
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