Joint security forces in Kotido have recovered a sub machinegun believed to have been used for poaching along the Uganda-Kenya border by suspected Karamojong warriors. The firearm with ammunition were recovered during an intelligence-led operation conducted after 11 heads of cattle were impounded in Nakapelimoru Sub-county.
According to police, on 10th July 2026 at around 0600hrs, joint security forces conducted an operation in Nateele Village, Watakau Central Parish, Nakapelimoru Sub-county during which 11 heads of cattle belonging to Logwang Ebokokitoi were impounded.
Following pressure from the operation, the suspect, Locham Peter aka Lokoriteba, 24, son of Lokwang Lonyangateba and a resident of Lobongia Village in Nakapelimoru Sub-county, voluntarily surrendered one SMG rifle No. 4327(BC) with 1 round of ammunition on 11th July 2026 at around 1000hrs.
The gun was received by Charles Ichogor, the Kotido Resident District Commissioner, after mediation by Rev. Fr. Raphael Loberei, a Catholic priest of Kotido Diocese.Mike Longole, Mt. Moroto Regional Police Spokesperson, confirmed receipt of the gun. He said intelligence indicates that in January 2026, the suspect and his accomplice, Lomongo, bought the gun from armed warriors in Kakamar Sub-county, Kaabong District.
Longole said the poachers has been using the illegal firearm along the Uganda-Kenya border, undermining security in the fragile area, especially with Turkana neighbors.“The impounded 11 cattle are pending verification and handover to the rightful owner,” Longole added.He further revealed that the suspect has been released under the Presidential Amnesty on Disarmament program.
Longole commended the office of the RDC, community leaders, and Fr. Loberei Raphael for supporting peaceful disarmament. “We urge all those still holding illegal guns to surrender them voluntarily under the Presidential Amnesty,” Longole said.
“Possession of illegal firearms is a criminal offence.” Security officials note that some armed Karamojong warriors have shifted from cattle raids to illegal wildlife poaching for game meat. The warriors reportedly spend nights in the wilderness with torches hunting animals. The meat is often sold in open markets at trading centers and some is exchanged for alcohol.
This vice, authorities warn, threatens wildlife in Kidepo National Game Park and other game reserves in the region. These protected areas play a critical role in tourism, which significantly contributes to Uganda’s economy. URN