ARUA. Security agencies in Arua City have recovered two illegal firearms and arrested two suspects in separate operations aimed at curbing rising gun-related crimes in West Nile region.
The joint operation by Police and the UPDF follows a wave of robberies in which armed criminals have been terrorising communities in and around Arua City.
One of the suspects, Patrick Atabua, 46, a bodaboda rider and resident of Maracha Cell in Ayivu East Division, was arrested on Friday, November 21, at Odramacaku Trading Centre near the Uganda, DR Congo border in Ayivu West Division.
According to Ms Josephine Angucia, the Police Public Relations Officer for West Nile Region, Atabua’s arrest followed intelligence linking him to a group suspected of carrying out aggravated robberies using firearms.
She said the Police Crime Intelligence Office in Arua City had received information that armed robbers were planning to attack a truck delivering beer to Odramacaku Trading Centre.
“We received information that the said robbers were planning to rob a truck that was delivering beer to Odramacaku Trading Centre. A team of police officers and UPDF responded to the scene and were able to intercept the suspect before he could execute his mission,” she said.
Atabua was found in possession of an AK-47 rifle, number 052956-2956, with 50 rounds of live ammunition. Police later conducted a search at his home in Maracha Cell, Yapi Ward, where further inquiries were initiated.
Ms Angucia said a case file of illegal possession of a firearm has been opened and investigations are underway under Arua CPS CRB 832/2025. “The suspect was detained at Arua CPS, where the recovered rifle was exhibited, and some relevant statements were recorded to aid investigations,” she added.
Police also impounded the motorcycle, TVS Star number UGC 172T, which Atabua allegedly used to transport the firearm. It is now parked at Arua CPS.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, another suspect, Asiimwe Bension, was arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm.
“We arrested one person identified as Asiimwe Bension who was found with AK-47 rifle number A83110111 and two magazines under Arua CPS SD ref 43/2/11/2025,” Ms Angucia said.
Asiimwe was intercepted on November 2, 2025, at around 7:45 pm at Nsambya Shell petrol station in Arua City Central Division while attempting to board a vehicle to Kampala.
Ms Angucia commended both the officers and members of the public for their vigilance. “We commend the quick action by the officers, and thank members of the public for endeavouring to share information on possession of illegal guns with the security team. We urge those still holding guns illegally for criminalities to desist from their unlawful acts and hand over such guns to security teams,” she said.
She confirmed that both suspects remain in custody and the recovered firearms have been exhibited as investigations continue.