Police in Arua City are holding 14 suspects in connection with a series of aggravated robberies targeting Election Special Police Constables, following two separate attacks that have raised fresh security concerns ahead of the electoral period.
The suspects, Godwin Munguci, Godi Abdul Karim, Howard Ismael, Ayiko Saviour, Abel Mahad, Auzo Philliam, Anguyo Innocent, Lematia Godfrey, Aleyo Phanuel, Boyi Yasin, Aniku Albert, Adriko Godwin, Dati Benard, and Agebu Cosmas, were arrested after alleged assaults in which constables were ambushed by suspected thugs armed with sticks and knives as they returned to their homes.
According to the West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson, Josephine Angucia, the latest incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, December 28, 2025. Gilbert Ariaka, an Election Special Police Constable attached to Ayivu East Division, was reportedly attacked at Alivu A Village along the Arua-Koboko Road at around 5:00 a.m. as he returned to the station for headcount and debriefing after briefly leaving duty.
In a related incident on Friday, December 26, 2025, another Election Special Police Constable, Rahim Somadri, was attacked by a group of suspected thugs at Kirabu Cell in Kenya Ward, Central Division, Oli area of Arua City. Police say Somadri was beaten and robbed of a bag containing a pair of police khaki uniforms as he walked home at around 2:00 a.m. after deciding to withdraw from duty.
Responding to the attacks, the West Nile Regional Police Commander, Latif Zaake, cautioned Election Special Police Constables against withdrawing from duty without proper authorisation, warning that such actions expose them to heightened risk of criminal attacks. He urged constables to prioritise their personal safety and to wait for clear instructions from their commanders before leaving duty stations, preferably moving in groups.
Zaake also appealed to members of the public to respect Election Special Police Constables, reminding communities that many of them are residents serving to maintain order during the electoral process.
The arrests come amid growing concern over a resurgence of criminal gangs in Arua City, with residents reporting increased cases of bag snatching and mobile phone robberies, particularly targeting people returning home in the evening and early morning hours. Police say investigations are ongoing as efforts continue to curb the rising insecurity.
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