Eye Media Reporter | July 4, 2026
GULU CITY – A joint security operation by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Uganda Police Force has led to the arrest of a suspect believed to be behind the fatal shooting of a boda boda rider in Gulu City, in what authorities describe as a major breakthrough against a criminal gang that has been terrorising the Acholi Sub-region.
The suspect, identified as Opoka Charles, a refugee residing in Paluda Resettlement Camp in Lamwo District, is currently being held at Gulu West Division Police Station as investigations continue.
According to Gulu City Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Onoria Ambrose, the suspect is accused of shooting and killing Ochako Steven, a boda boda rider and resident of Abuga Cell, Bardege-Layibi Division, Gulu City, on June 28, 2026, at around 8:00 p.m., before fleeing with the victim’s motorcycle.
Ambrose said the stolen motorcycle has since been recovered during the joint UPDF and Police operation.
“A successful joint operation by the UPDF and Police led to the arrest of the gunman responsible for the shooting and killing of a boda boda rider in Gulu City. The robbed motorcycle has been recovered. His arrest further led us to his hideout, where two guns were recovered, the latest in Lamwo District. He is part of the criminal gang that has been terrorising communities across the Acholi Sub-region by stealing motorcycles,” Ambrose said.
The RCC said the recovery of the firearms and the stolen motorcycle marks a significant milestone in ongoing security operations targeting armed criminal gangs operating in the region.
He added that the suspect is believed to be part of a wider gang responsible for a series of violent motorcycle robberies across the Acholi Sub-region, and security agencies are pursuing other suspects believed to be connected to the criminal network.
Authorities have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with security agencies by providing information that could lead to the arrest of the remaining gang members.
Investigations into the murder and other related crimes are ongoing.
