Five Arrested Over Suspected Road Robberies Along Soroti–Moroto Road

By Peterson Hiirya.

Police in Soroti have arrested five suspected members of a gang accused of waylaying motorists along the Soroti–Moroto Road.

The suspects were arrested following a complaint lodged at the Amukaru Railway Police Station in Soroti District after an attempted robbery reported on March 15.

The arrested individuals were identified as Emmanuel Emukot, 21, Patrick Elamu, 20, Emmanuel Okiring, 22, Raymond Agole, 22, and David Opiding, 27, all residents of Soroti District.

Police said the arrests followed an attempted robbery targeting a motorcyclist, Albert Okello, at Arapai along the Soroti–Moroto Road.

According to the East Kyoga regional police commander, Ibrahim Saiga, the incident occurred on Sunday at about 9:22pm when the group allegedly attempted to stop the rider while armed with sticks, wires and pangas.

The victim managed to escape unharmed and later reported the matter to police at Amukaru Railway Police Station.

Police subsequently launched an operation that led to the arrest of the suspects. They were initially detained at the East Kyoga regional police headquarters before being transferred to Katine Central Police Station.

Saiga said officers recovered several items believed to have been used in the attempted robbery.

“The suspects were found with rudimentary but very lethal weapons that were recovered from the scene, including several sticks and one black wire,” he said.

Police say investigations are ongoing as authorities respond to complaints from residents about criminal gangs targeting road users in the area.

Saiga noted that many suspects involved in such crimes are youths who stage roadblocks to rob motorists and pedestrians.

“Most of these suspects are youths that stage roadblocks,” he added.

Police said the suspects will be arraigned in court once investigations are completed.