By Our Reporter
SOROTI CITY
Police in the East Kyoga region have arrested and identified four primary suspects linked to the murder and aggravated robbery of Patricia Kokunda that occurred last week in Soroti City.
On April 3, 2026 (Good Friday), Kokunda, a 32-year-old mobile money operator and a businesswoman, was tragically attacked at around 4:40 AM.
Armed assailants struck her at Teso Coach Park along Station Road near Goalman supermarket as she was about to board a taxi to Ocorimongin Cattle Market in Katakwi District.
During this violent incident, her bag—containing an undisclosed amount of cash, a mobile phone, and personal belongings—was stolen before she was fatally shot.
Authorities reported that the attackers, armed with a rifle and riding on a numberless motorcycle, forcibly removed Kokunda from the taxi before stealing her money. Despite being rushed to Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, she sadly succumbed to her injuries.
Following the events, police quickly responded to the scene, where they documented the incident and collected crucial evidence, including two spent cartridges.
The case was lodged at Soroti Central Police Station under CRM 47/2026. The East Kyoga police, in collaboration with other security agencies, launched a thorough investigation into this heinous crime.
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage, leading to the immediate arrest of two suspects on the day of the incident. By Saturday, April 4, police reported the arrest of two additional suspects and the recovery of the victim’s smartphone.
On April 5, 2026, SSP Ibrahim Saiga, the East Kyoga regional police commander, officially identified the four suspects: Alex Okello and Felix Onego were apprehended on the day of the incident, while Simon Epeu, also known as Iboda, was captured in Anyara Sub County in Kalaki District from whom Shs7M was recovered . The suspected shooter, Alfred Elacu, was arrested in Orungo sub county, Amuria District.
SSP Saiga noted that during the operations, Kokunda’s discarded smartphone was retrieved from a bush in Kichinjaji.
Police are continuing efforts to recover the firearm used in the crime and additional evidence, including the motorcycle involved.
The police have assured the public of their unwavering commitment to bringing all individuals involved in this crime to justice.
“We continue to urge community members to share any information that could assist in our ongoing investigations,” he stated.
Based on reports and information available as of early April 2026 regarding the Annual Crime Report 2025 released by the Uganda Police Force, there has been a notable, ongoing trend of violent attacks, robberies, and murders targeting mobile money operators.
