The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) 3rd Infantry Division, based in Moroto district, has arrested Omet John Lolima, a Local Councillor chairperson of Lemusui sub-county in Nakapiripirit district, over the illegal possession of a firearm.

Maj. Moses Amuja, the acting UPDF 3rd Division spokesperson, said the arrest occurred in Alapat Village, Katabok Parish, Lemusui Sub-county in Nakapiripirit District, following an intelligence tip from the community that suspected him of conducting cattle raids with the weapon.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that Omet has been hiring out the illegal gun with the purpose of carrying out cattle raids and terrorizing the communities of Tokora, Kaiku, and Namalu areas in Nakapiripirit District,” Amuja said.

According to Amuja, the suspect, who is currently in custody at 407 Brigade Headquarters in Moruita, Nakapiripirit District, will appear before Military Court Martial to answer charges of illegal possession of military stores after the investigation is concluded.

He says the incidence happened at a time when Karamoja is experiencing relative peace in most of the districts, with few isolated cases of criminality registered mostly in South Karamoja.

This is the second LCIII chief to be arrested by the army in Karamoja over allegations of being in possession of an illegal firearm.