By Alexander Mackey Okori
Police and sister security agencies have launched investigations into separate incidents in which an unidentified group of suspected Karamojong wielding gunmen raided and looted shops in Kotido town on Friday night, April 10, 2026.
The thugs reportedly stormed shops in the Dodoth College Cell of Kotido Ward, Entebbe Area in the central division, and Panyangara trading centre, ordering shop owners to surrender all the cash they had in possession.
The incidents, which reportedly occurred around 10:00 p.m. and lasted approximately 20 minutes, caught the victims off guard, as this is the time they typically balance their accounts.
One of the victims, Oliver Adeun, a shopkeeper in the Dodoth College Cell of Kotido Ward, reported that the armed thugs robbed him of Shs200, 000 and two boxes of soap.
“The group, consisting of six armed individuals wielding four guns, two knives, and bottles of Pilsner beer, also assaulted customers, stealing their phones and an unspecified amount of money,” Adeun said.
In a separate incident, another group of thugs attacked Raymond Lolem’s shop and reportedly made away with Shs400, 000.
SP Elvis Mugwisagye, the Officer in Charge of Kotido Central Police Station, confirmed the incidents and stated that police responded swiftly to a tip-off, although no arrests have been made.
“We received information regarding armed individuals attacking shops in Panyangara trading center. Our patrol officers responded immediately, but the group had already fled the scene, moving towards the Entebbe Area through the bushes,” SP Mugwisagye stated.
He further revealed that the same group attacked two shops in Dodoth College Cell of Kotido Ward, Entebbe area, within Kotido central division, looting an unspecified amount of cash, beer, and soda.
According to SP Mugwisagye, the victims have recorded statements at the Kotido Central Police Station, and investigations are ongoing.
“A team of investigators is diligently tracking the thugs. Numerous clues have been gathered to aid in the ongoing efforts to apprehend the individuals involved in the looting,’ explained SP Mugwisagye.
SP Mugwisagye stated that the victims have provided statements at the Kotido Central Police Station, and investigations are currently underway.
“A team of investigators is actively pursuing leads to apprehend the individuals involved in these robberies. We have gathered numerous clues to assist in our efforts,” SP Mugwisagye explained.
