LIRA DISTRICT – January 13, 2026 – Two Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers are in military custody facing allegations of assault, threatening a Member of Parliament at gunpoint, and engaging in a high-speed evasion of police. The incident, which has sparked condemnation from regional security authorities, unfolded in Addu Village, Ogur Sub-county, on January 12.
According to a detailed statement from the North Kyoga Region Police Spokesperson, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the District Police Commander (DPC) received a distress call at approximately 1:00 PM. The report indicated that a group of UPDF soldiers were assaulting members of the public, specifically supporters of Area MP Hon. Akello Christine (Gwok Adako).
Police teams were immediately deployed. En route, officers encountered a UPDF pick-up truck traveling at excessive speed with its license plate obscured by mud. The vehicle refused to stop for police, prompting a pursuit.
The situation escalated when Hon. Akello Christine herself tracked the soldiers' vehicle to Agweng Town Council. Upon identifying herself, the legislator was allegedly threatened by one of the soldiers with a firearm. She promptly alerted the DPC and the District Internal Security Officer (DISO), who coordinated efforts to intercept the fleeing pick-up.
“The occupants defied all orders and bypassed established traffic checkpoints,” stated SP Okema. The chase continued into Lira City, where the suspects diverted to the Central Police Station and were subsequently arrested.
During the operation, police recovered three sacks of kitenge material, which were later handed over to Hon. Akello Christine as exhibits.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspects claimed to be “acting on instructions from a superior.” Given their military status, the two soldiers were formally handed over to the UPDF 5th Division Headquarters for further investigation and disciplinary action under military law.
In the statement, the Territorial Police strongly condemned the alleged violence, particularly by those mandated to protect citizens. “We are engaging the leadership of the UPDF to ensure such incidents do not recur,” SP Okema assured the public.
Authorities have called upon the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or plans for violence to security agencies promptly.
