Police recover stolen SMG linked to suspected crime gang
The weapon was discovered on Sunday, November 1, by local resident Richard Otim, who was clearing bushes around the compound of his late brother, Daniel Komakech, in Barolemo village, Kalumu parish, Paicho subcounty.
The rusted weapon bearing serial number UG POL 48014235-15938 was the exact rifle stolen during a violent raid in May 2026. (Photo by Claude Omona)
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Police in the Aswa West Region have recovered a submachine gun (SMG) stolen from Lalogi Police Station in Omoro district in May 2026.
The weapon was discovered on Sunday, November 1, by local resident Richard Otim, who was clearing bushes around the compound of his late brother, Daniel Komakech, in Barolemo village, Kalumu parish, Paicho subcounty.
During the cleanup, Otim found a suspicious white polythene bag buried under a tree. He immediately alerted the local LC1 chairperson, who notified security agencies.
Responding officers inspected the contents and confirmed that the rusted weapon, bearing serial number UG POL 48014235-15938, was the same rifle stolen during a violent raid in May 2026. Two magazines containing a total of 32 live rounds of ammunition were also recovered.
The night of the attack
Okema said two assailants took advantage of a heavy downpour to ambush Awor at her residence. They struck her on the head with a heavy metal object, leaving her critically injured.
“The attackers fled into the night with her service rifle and 30 rounds of ammunition”, said Okema.
Police link weapon to suspected crime gang
Police investigations have linked the recovered firearm to a violent gang suspected of carrying out a series of aggravated robberies and homicides in the Aswa West and Aswa East regions.
Komakech, the deceased owner of the property where the gun was buried, had been arrested on June 19 alongside two accomplices, Oscar Ojok and Vincent Opiro. He was fatally shot during the arrest after allegedly attempting to disarm an officer.
Ojok and Opiro are currently on remand, facing murder and aggravated robbery charges before the UPDF General Court Martial.
Okema described the recovery as a significant milestone in efforts to restore security in the region. He urged the public to remain vigilant and continue reporting suspicious activities to security agencies.
Community welcomes recovery
"Finding a loaded gun buried right in our neighbourhood was terrifying. We are relieved that Richard acted quickly and reported it to the chairperson before any kids or criminals found it”, said Stephene Omara.
Meanwhile, Benard Oyoo, a resident of Gulu city, said that "Ever since AIP Awor was attacked and her gun stolen, fear has been high across the trading centres. Knowing that this rifle is back in police hands brings a huge sigh of relief to local business owners."
Margaret Ayoo, a market vendor in Olayo-Ilong Market, is happy that the gun was discovered. He said that the discovery of the gun shows the power of community policing.
“When citizens cooperate with the authorities, we can root out hidden weapons and dismantle crime syndicates together,” said Ayoo.