Gulu city gun violence surge triggers joint security crackdown

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A wave of violent gun attacks has shaken Gulu city, prompting a major joint security operation aimed at restoring order and hunting down armed criminals terrorising the region.

Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Fourth Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Felix Busizoori, on May 6, 2026, said the military, working alongside other security agencies, has intensified operations to curb the rising cases of gun violence.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with New Vision Online, Busizoori said decisive action is underway.

“We are taking all necessary measures to address the situation,” he said, revealing that intelligence reports link the attackers to coordinated activities across the West Nile, Acholi, and Lango sub-regions. Investigations into their networks and motives are ongoing.

Night of terror: Guard shot dead in petrol station attack

The latest violence unfolded on the night of May 5, 2026, at LT Energy Petrol Station in Laliya Trading Centre, Kasubi Ward.

Eyewitnesses reported that at about 10:00pm, three armed men arrived on a motorcycle and briefly posed as customers by inquiring about fuel prices. Moments later, two suspects dismounted while a third moved behind the premises.

Within seconds, the station’s security guard was shot in the head at close range.

The attackers seized the guard’s firearm and fled, firing shots indiscriminately. A stray bullet struck a bystander, who was rushed to Gulu Regional Referral Hospital.

Fred Ahimbisibwe, the Regional Police Commander of Aswa West Police region. (Photo by Christopher Nyeko)

Police officers responded swiftly, finding the guard still alive. He was transferred to St Mary’s Hospital, Lacor, but later succumbed to his injuries.

Busizoori confirmed that security forces are actively pursuing the suspects and expressed confidence that arrests are imminent.

Second attack targets boda boda rider

In a separate but possibly linked incident later that same night, a bodaboda rider identified as Fedenaldo Ocora was ambushed about 11:00pm.

Ocora had picked up a passenger from the bus park and was heading toward Keyi ‘B’ Cell via Kabedopong trading centre when he noticed a motorcycle trailing them.

As he stopped to drop off the passenger, three men confronted them. One, armed with a rifle, ordered both men to sit down.

Fearing for his life, Ocora fled, abandoning his motorcycle. The attackers assaulted the passenger and escaped with the motorcycle—a Bajaj CT (registration UGD 940F), along with a backpack and power bank.

The case was later reported to Gulu West Police Station.

Community on edge as leaders call for vigilance

With fear spreading across the city, Busizoori has urged residents to remain alert and cooperate with security agencies.

“Timely information from the public is critical to enabling swift responses,” he said.

Meanwhile, Thomas Oboma Okot, chairperson of the Gulu City Bodaboda Association, warned riders to exercise extreme caution, particularly at night.

He disclosed that more than 40 motorcycles have been stolen since the beginning of the year and announced plans to reorganise night operations.

“We urge all riders to install tracking devices on their motorcycles to improve chances of recovery,” Oboma said.

Police Intensify Investigations

Aswa West Regional Police spokesperson David Ongom Mudong confirmed both incidents, noting that investigations are actively ongoing.

Authorities have reassured the public that joint security operations are being strengthened to track down the perpetrators and prevent further attacks.

For now, however, Gulu City remains tense as residents await justice—and the restoration of peace.