By Our Reporter
AMURIA/KAPELEBYONG
At least 35 individuals suspected of being part of a youth gang have been apprehended during an overnight security operation conducted by various law enforcement agencies in the Amuria and Kapelebyong districts.
These suspects are believed to have been behind a spate of disturbances affecting residents in Willa Sub-County, Apeduru Sub-County in Amuria, and Akoromit in Kapelebyong District.
Among those arrested, 13 hail from Amuria District, while the remaining 22 are from Kapelebyong District.
The security forces have associated these gangs with incidents of theft, intimidation, and violence, which have severely affected local markets and travel in the border regions.
A statement from Paul Eseru, the Resident District Commissioner of Amuria, confirmed on Friday (August 21, 2026) that this operation is part of ongoing efforts by district security committees to tackle rising insecurity and restore peace along the border between the two districts.
Eseru noted that the suspects are currently being held at the Central Police Stations in Amuria and Kapelebyong as investigations progress ahead of their court appearances.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to safeguarding the well-being of all residents.
They have also issued a warning to holidaymakers against associating with the youth gangs, emphasizing that anyone found doing so will face arrest and could miss the upcoming third term.
“We are determined to enhance our intelligence-led disruptive operations to deter criminal activities among the youth,” stated a senior security official.
This initiative has been well received by locals who are hopeful it will lead to a reduction in crime in their communities.
Despite a 10.2% decrease in overall crime reported by the Uganda Police Force for 2025, amounting to 196,405 cases, there has been a concerning rise in organized gang activities and armed robbery syndicates expanding into rural areas and regional growth corridors, with targets including rural businesses, livestock, and boda-boda riders.
