In Apac District, a 24-year-old ex-security guard has been apprehended on charges of cattle theft and unlawful possession of government property.
The individual, Jasper Ebong, hails from Barkworo Village, Alaro Parish, Apoi Sub-county in Apac District. He was taken into custody along with his alleged partner in crime, 37-year-old Benon Ribero, by local community members. When arrested on Monday, they were reportedly found with three stolen cattle.
According to the security committee of Apac District, Innocent Okello and Kenneth Otim, believed to be the masterminds behind the infamous criminal gang that Ebong and Ribero are part of, remain elusive.
Upon receiving calls from local leaders, Ms Joan Apio, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC), and officers from Apac Central Police Station promptly arrived at the scene, preventing the suspects from being mobbed by the crowd.
A search of Okello’s residence led to the recovery of a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) uniform. A motorcycle, suspected to be stolen and bearing the registration number UDS 177Z, was also found abandoned near his home, as reported by the Deputy RDC of Apac.
Mr Alex Nuweamanya, the officer in charge of Apac Central Police Station, addressed the Barkworo Village community following the operation, announcing the initiation of a police investigation into the incident.
He appealed to local leaders for assistance in apprehending the fugitives, one of whom is known to be a repeat offender. He has been in prison several times, and when our officers came to arrest him, he injured one,” he revealed.
James Atim, the local councilor for Alaro Parish, identified the suspects as part of a criminal gang that has been causing distress to the local population since 2018.