Lira, Gulu register highest gun violence cases in 2017

Lira District registered the highest number of gun-related violence cases in 2017, according to a recent crime report by police’s Flying Squad Unit (FSU). COURTESY PHOTO

What you need to know:

  • Lira District accounted for 18.8 per cent of gun-related cases, followed by Gulu at 10.4 per cent.
  • Only one case out of 10 gun violence cases registered in Lira was investigated to conclusion, with the majority still under probe.
  • Police recovered 48 guns, including 30 AK47s, six Semi Automated Rifles, six pistols, two PKs, one Pump Action, and 141 stick grenades and 238 drilling beats.
  • 524 bullets were recovered in all the gun-related incidents registered in Lira, Gulu, Kampala, Kiryandongo, Iganga, Mayuge, Mbale, Bududa, Hoima and Buikwe.

Kampala. Lira District registered the highest number of gun-related violence cases in 2017, according to a recent crime report by police’s Flying Squad Unit (FSU).
According to the report, Lira District accounted for 18.8 per cent of gun-related cases, followed by Gulu at 10.4 per cent. However, only one case out of 10 gun violence cases registered in Lira was investigated to conclusion, with the majority still under probe.
“A suspect in illegal possession of an SMG gun registered on May 2, 2017 was identified and arrested and taken to court. The gun belonged to Uganda Police Force,” reads the report in part.

Another case of gun-related violence in Lira involved the arrest of a businessman in October after he caused panic when he entered Paimol Martyrs Shrine with a loaded pistol.
Mr Patrick Jimmy Okema, the Aswa River Region police spokesperson, said suspect was carrying a cocked gun in the middle of thousands of pilgrims.

While releasing the report at Kampala Central Police Station (CPS) on Monday, police spokesperson Emilian Kayima said 48 guns were recovered in 2017, of which some were identified as belonging to police and the army.

In Gulu, six people were arrested over illegal possession of guns. One suspect was charged and convicted for three years, whereas the rest are still under investigation.
Mr Kayima said some guns were grabbed from police officers by thugs who waylaid them on their way to and from work.

Last month, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Gen Kale Kayihura, ordered police commanders to ferry their officers to and from work to reduce cases of thugs attacking them along the way.

In Kampala, 10 suspects were arrested on offences of aggravated, attempted and foiled robberies, whereas three were killed in cross fire exchange. These included a UPDF soldier, a Sudanese and eight civilians.
Two major gun violence incidents registered in Kampala last year involved the killing of police spokesperson Andrew Felix Kaweesi on March 17, followed by the shooting to death of two police officers and a civilian at Kalerwe Market.

Recovered weapons
Guns. According to the report, police recovered 48 guns, including 30 AK47s, six Semi Automated Rifles, six pistols, two PKs, one Pump Action, and 141 stick grenades and 238 drilling beats. Police also recovered 524 bullets in all the gun-related incidents registered in Lira, Gulu, Kampala, Kiryandongo, Iganga, Mayuge, Mbale, Bududa, Hoima and Buikwe.