Five youths arrested over alleged aggravated robbery in Soroti
The suspects were arrested on Monday (March 16), following an incident that occurred the previous night along the Soroti–Moroto road.
The four suspects at Katine Central Police Station in Soroti district. (Courtesy photo)
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Police in Soroti district have arrested five youths suspected of involvement in aggravated robbery.
The suspects were arrested on Monday (March 16), following an incident that occurred the previous night along the Soroti–Moroto road.
According to the Kyoga East Regional Police commander, Ibrahim Saiga, a boda boda rider identified as Albert Okello was attacked by a group of youths at around 9pm on March 15, 2026, at Arapai.
The assailants, who were reportedly armed with sticks and wires, had staged an ambush and attempted to rob Okello of his motorcycle.
However, Okello managed to escape and rushed to Amukaru Police Post, where he reported the matter.
On Monday (March 16) morning, police acting on intelligence mounted an operation and arrested five suspects.
They have been identified as Emmanuel Emukot, 21, a resident of Abalang B in Aloet ward; Patrick Elamu, 20, a resident of Abalang; Emmanuel Okiring, 22, from Ogoloi village in Arabaka; Raymond Agole, 22, a resident of Amotot in Dakabela; and David Opiding, 27, also from Amotot.
The suspects are currently being held at Katine Central Police Station. One was injured during the operation and is currently receiving treatment, according to Saiga.
Police say sticks and wires, suspected to have been used in the attempted robbery, were recovered from the suspects.
Saiga has now called on members of the public to avoid moving at night and to remain vigilant.
“We wish to advise the public to be very vigilant while moving at night, especially in suspicious places, and also report suspicious activities to the police,” Saiga advised.
Uganda's robbery statistics show a concerning trend. In 2024, there were 8,163 reported robbery cases, up from 7,772 cases in 2023. The Kampala Metropolitan Policing area registered the highest number of robberies, with 2,727 cases.
Aggravated robbery cases, where lethal weapons were used, accounted for 3,116 cases in 2024.
The police have been taking measures to combat robbery, including intelligence-led operations and recovering firearms linked to various crimes.
Between January 2024 and 2026, four submachine guns were recovered, and nine suspects were arrested.
Police also reported a 10.3% decline in the overall crime rate for 2025, attributing it to enhanced sub-county policing and inter-agency collaboration.