Police in Nwoya District have recovered an SMG rifle believed to have been used to terrorize residents in the area, following a community-led operation that began with the interception of a suspected stolen vehicle.
According to police, the operation was carried out on June 14 in Paminyai Subcounty after intelligence was gathered from informants in Nyamukino and Gotapwoyo villages.
The information pointed to a suspicious white Ipsum vehicle, registration number UAP 032E, allegedly transporting 11 stolen goats.
Alert residents intercepted the vehicle before police arrived at the scene and arrested the driver, identified as Omony Dicken, a 28-year-old broker from Pece-Laroo Division in Gulu City.
Upon interrogation, Omony revealed the location of a hidden firearm, leading officers to Purongo Subcounty where they recovered an SMG rifle stashed in the bush near an electric pole.
The weapon was found without any ammunition.
Police believe the rifle may have been used in previous incidents that caused fear in the local community and neighboring areas.
Investigations are ongoing to track down other suspects and establish the full extent of the criminal network involved.
Authorities have praised the vigilance and cooperation of the local community, which they say was instrumental in the success of the operation.
“We appreciate the community’s cooperation, which was instrumental in recovering the weapon,” police wrote.
