Security forces recover missing machine gun in Kotido
“We have returned the animals to the rightful owners,” Longole said, adding that recovery of the dangerous weapon is a huge stride in the security of the Karamoja sub-region.
The Karamoja police public relations officer, Mike Longole, on May 29, 2026, when contacted, confirmed the development, saying the forces have been on the hunt for the missing firearm for a couple of days. (Credit: Olandason Wanyama)
KOTIDO - A joint security force of the Anti-stock Theft Unit (ASTU) and the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF), in a landmark gain have recovered a PKM machine gun in Kacheri town council, some 48 kilometres North of Kotido town in Kotido district.
PKM is a belt-fed, Russian-made general-purpose machine gun widely used by armed forces. Locally, here in Uganda, it's referred to as Kajegere.
The firearm serial No. 44219 with two rounds was allegedly stolen from one of the detachments, not identified for purposes of ongoing investigation in Karenga district last year.
So far, the police have identified the arrested prime suspect as Ajie Lowal, a resident of Nakosobun village, Lokiding parish in Kacheri town council.
The Karamoja police public relations officer, Mike Longole, on May 29, 2026, when contacted, confirmed the development, saying the forces have been on the hunt for the missing firearm for a couple of days.
He says the gun has been utilised in the attacks in several sub-counties of Kakamar, Lopuyp and Rengen in Kotido district.
Longole explains that the recovery follows an intensive and expanded intelligence conducted two days ago that led to confiscation of 102 heads of cattle belonging to several families.
However, the move prompted the community to join hands in the search for the machine gun. At the end of the day, the deadly weapon was handed over to the security forces through the former Kacheri Sub-County chairperson, Mark Longoli.
“We have returned the animals to the rightful owners,” Longole said, adding that recovery of the dangerous weapon is a huge stride in the security of the Karamoja sub-region.
He further adds that the disarmament exercise code-named, “Usalama Kwa wote,” literally translated as peace for all, continues till the sub region will gain total peace.
Longole urges families and individuals in possession of illegal weapons to surrender to the security forces, saying forceful disarmament will attract arrest and prosecution of illicit handlers.