The number of suspects in the murder of a mobile money operator in Soroti City has risen to 11, police have confirmed.
According to Police Spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke, the arrests follow sustained intelligence-led operations into the killing of Kokunda Patricia, a 36-year-old businesswoman.
“Police in East Kyoga Region have made significant progress in investigating an aggravated robbery and murder by shooting that claimed the life of Kokunda Patricia,” Rusoke said.
The incident occurred on April 3, 2026, at around 4:40 a.m. near Goalman Supermarket along Station Road, when armed assailants shot the victim and fled with a handbag containing cash and valuables.
Rusoke noted that the number of suspects has grown from four to 11 following coordinated operations across Soroti, Amuria, Kalaki, and Abim districts.
“From the initial four suspects arrested, the number has since grown to eleven following sustained intelligence-led operations,” he said.
Among those arrested is Simon Epeu, also known as Iboda, who is suspected to have pulled the deceased out of her vehicle, and David Emenyu, also known as Ogwang Sam or Olipong, believed to be the shooter. Emmanuel Okello, alias Imorning, is described as one of the main planners, while Rashid Eyamu, also known as Odekuro, is alleged to have initiated the robbery plan.
Also arrested is Alfred Elacu, suspected to have supplied the ammunition together with his wife Hellen Akello. Other suspects include Alex Okello, Jorem Ojele alias Jogo, Julius Elwanu, Felix Onebo, and Salume Akello, who is said to be the wife of the suspected shooter.
Police also recovered key exhibits, including a rifle suspected to have been used in the shooting, ammunition, clothing linked to the suspects, a red numberless motorcycle, and a phone belonging to the deceased.
He added that Shs10.5 million has so far been recovered out of the estimated Shs28 million stolen during the robbery.
Investigations are ongoing to arrest more suspects and establish the full network behind the killing, as police continue to call on the public to share any information that could aid the probe.
