Security operation in Elegu border town nets 42 over unregistered motorcycles
Mudong further revealed that URA Elegu branch, with other border security enforcement agencies, deployed a disruptive intelligence-led operation to combat rampant smuggling activities along the Uganda-South Sudan border town.
David Ongom Mudong, the Aswa West Police Spokesperson. (New Vision/Files)
ELEGU - Security agencies enforcing cross-border movements and trade at the Elegu border town in Elegu Town Council, Amuru district, are holding and scrutinising at least 42 individuals said to be riding motorcycles with outdated number plates.
The scrutiny follows the seizure of 42 motorcycles whose owners are suspected to be involved in illicit cross-border businesses, including smuggling.
David Ongom Mudong, the Aswa West Police Spokesperson (PRO) has confirmed that the 42 suspects have been arrested following a combined security-led operation involving the Uganda Revenue Authority(URA) on August 6, 2025, at the border town of Elegu.
Mudong further revealed that URA Elegu branch, with other border security enforcement agencies, deployed a disruptive intelligence-led operation to combat rampant smuggling activities along the Uganda-South Sudan border town.
Mudong revealed that of the 42 motorcycles impounded during the operation, three had no registration plates, one with forged registration and 38 were South Sudanese-registered motorcycles.
Relatedly, Michael Lakony, the Amuru district L.C. 5 chairman, who complimented the security for enforcing cross-border illicit trade, also warned residents of what he described as fake security units in and out of Uganda who are erecting roadblocks to extort money.
Lakony also decried the habitual acts of smuggling goods in and out of the country through the Elegu border town.
He revealed that commonly smuggled items are: sugar, cooking oil, salt and soap.
Lakony added that at least two to three suspects of smuggling are apprehended on the Uganda-Sudan border every week.
Efforts to speak to the URA Elegu border post were futile at the time of writing this story, as all our attempts to reach them through our Gulu office phone calls were in vain.