Police in Otuke district have shot dead a suspected armed robber and subsequently recovered the stolen firearm belonging to the Uganda police force.

SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the North Kyoga regional police spokesperson, said the incident took place on September 26, 2023, following a tip-off from the community at Agweng Cell, Owinyo Ward, Olilim Town Council in Otuke district.

“We got information that there was someone with a gun in Agweng cell, Owinyo ward, Olilim Town Council in Otuke District, and we have put a shop owner at gun point.He had robbed some shop items, and immediately, DPC Otuke, on receipt of this information, led a team of UPF and UPDF to the scene in an attempt to rescue the shop owners,” said Okema.

According to Okema, upon arrival at the scene, the robber attempted to attack the squad, a move that attracted fire from the patrol team.

He identified the suspect as Norman Ouni Kaunda, age 36, a resident of Otuke Town Council, who had been wanted in connection with the theft of a police gun between September 16 and September 17, 2023, from the offices of the Electoral Commission in the Otuke District.

The suspect also shot and killed the shop owner, identified as Costa Apio, during the scuffle.

The crime scene was condoned, processed, and photographs taken by SOCO and a police gun No. UG POL 563617800 with six (6) rounds of ammunition was recovered with the deceased.

Okema appreciated the concerned citizen who reported the incident, hence the quick response by the team of security personnel to the scene.

He issued a stern warning to those planning to commit violent crimes, saying that security would not be watching them but would instead take action.

The police continue to urge community members to always cooperate with security in maintaining law and order.