In Kotido, Uganda, security forces recently achieved a significant success. A combined team from the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) seized an illegal firearm during an operation on April 12, 2026. This operation was carefully planned based on intelligence.
They recovered a powerful submachine gun (SMG) loaded with ammunition from a 68-year-old man named Lolem Lopusiteba, who lives in Kanamwar Village, Kotido District.
Officials believe this gun is connected to a recent highway robbery that happened on the Kaabong–Kotido road. It is suspected that Lolem’s son, Locheng Apalothia, used this very firearm during the robbery.
This isn’t the first action taken in this case. On April 2nd, the same security teams seized 107 cattle and three donkeys from the same village. This earlier action was part of a larger plan to break up criminal groups in the area.
Both the recovered gun and the suspect are now in the custody of the UPDF as investigations continue. Security agencies are committed to these operations throughout the Karamoja region. Their goal is clear: to remove illegal firearms, stop crime, and bring lasting peace and safety back to the communities.