By Okidi Patrick
Lira | June 1, 2026
Police in Lira City East Division are investigating an aggravated robbery in which a UPDF soldier was attacked and his motorcycle stolen along the Soroti-Lira Highway early Sunday morning.
The incident happened at around 2:00am on June 1, 2026 at Gwengabara Cell, a spot residents say is a known black spot.
What Happened
According to North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the victim is Pte Okello Tom, a soldier attached to Moyo Army Barracks and a resident of Akitenino B Village, Adyel Ward, Lira City East Division.
Pte Okello was riding home on his red TVS motorcycle, registration number UFH 438Z, valued at Shs6 million. When he reached Gwengabara, he found two unknown men who had placed barriers on the road.
The men stopped him, hit him on the head with sticks and clubs, and took off with the motorcycle. The soldier was left bleeding at the scene before residents rushed him to a nearby clinic for first aid.
SP Okema said a night patrol team intercepted a group of men pushing the same motorcycle at around 4:30am. The suspects abandoned the bike and fled on seeing police.
The motorcycle was recovered and taken to Angwetangweta Police Station as an exhibit.
A case of aggravated robbery has been registered at Lira City East Division. The District CID Officer and a team of detectives have visited both scenes.
Police have recorded statements from the victim and other witnesses. Pte Okello was issued a Police Form 3 for medical examination. The recovered motorcycle has been photographed for evidence.
Investigators are now reviewing CCTV footage along the highway for leads on the suspects. Police have also asked the victim to present documents proving ownership of the motorcycle.
SP Patrick Jimmy Okema noted that the attack happened in an area already flagged as a black spot. Night patrols had been deployed there as a preventive measure by the Division Police Commander.
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