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Suspected South Sudanese gang leader arrested in Lamwo over gun violence
Authorities described Taban as a key figure in a criminal network blamed for a series of violent attacks that have left at least five people dead in separate shooting incidents since March 2026.
Suspected South Sudanese gang leader arrested in Lamwo over gun violence
By: Christopher Nyeko, Journalist @New Vision
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LAMWO — Security forces in Lamwo District have arrested a suspected gang leader believed to be behind a wave of armed robberies and deadly shootings that have terrorised communities across the Acholi sub-region over the past three months.
The suspect, identified as David Paridi Taban, a South Sudanese national from Aboloro Village in Pogee Payam, Magwi County, South Sudan, was arrested on Tuesday evening during an intelligence-led security operation in Lamwo's Olebi Town Council.
Authorities described Taban as a key figure in a criminal network blamed for a series of violent attacks that have left at least five people dead in separate shooting incidents since March 2026.
According to Lamwo Resident District Commissioner William Komakech, the suspect had repeatedly evaded capture despite several joint security operations conducted by Ugandan and South Sudanese security agencies.
"At about 4:40pm on Tuesday, Taban, who was dressed in a camouflage outfit, entered Olebi Town Council to withdraw money from a mobile money outlet. Security personnel, who had been tracking his movements, quickly moved in and arrested him," Komakech said. The suspect is currently being detained at Lamwo Central Police Station.
Komakech also confirmed that South Sudanese authorities had been formally notified of the arrest of their national as investigations continue.
Security officials revealed that Taban was registered as a refugee in Uganda in 2020, but later abandoned his refugee status and returned to South Sudan.
Investigators allege that after returning home, he established and coordinated criminal gangs operating in the districts of Gulu, Kitgum, and Agago, where armed robberies and gun-related crimes have become increasingly common. Security agencies also suspect Taban of involvement in the illegal trafficking of firearms from South Sudan into Uganda.
His arrest comes weeks after another operation in Pogee, South Sudan, during which one of Taban's alleged associates, Innocent Komakech, was apprehended.
"At about 4:40pm on Tuesday, Taban, who was dressed in a camouflage outfit, entered Olebi Town Council to withdraw money from a mobile money outlet. Security personnel, who had been tracking his movements, quickly moved in and arrested him," Komakech said. The suspect is currently being detained at Lamwo Central Police Station.
Komakech also confirmed that South Sudanese authorities had been formally notified of the arrest of their national as investigations continue.
Security officials revealed that Taban was registered as a refugee in Uganda in 2020, but later abandoned his refugee status and returned to South Sudan.
Investigators allege that after returning home, he established and coordinated criminal gangs operating in the districts of Gulu, Kitgum, and Agago, where armed robberies and gun-related crimes have become increasingly common. Security agencies also suspect Taban of involvement in the illegal trafficking of firearms from South Sudan into Uganda.
His arrest comes weeks after another operation in Pogee, South Sudan, during which one of Taban's alleged associates, Innocent Komakech, was apprehended.
Then, Taban reportedly escaped and continued directing gang activities from his hideout.
Lamwo District Police Commander Reagan Magombe said security agencies have intensified operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and curbing the flow of illegal firearms across the Uganda-South Sudan border.
"We have already arrested three key suspects who are providing valuable information that is helping our investigations," Magombe said.
The recent surge in gun violence has sparked concern among residents across the Acholi Sub-region, with many accusing security agencies of failing to effectively contain the growing insecurity.
Authorities believe Taban may have accumulated wealth through criminal activities, with investigations suggesting he recently established a taxi business in Juba using proceeds allegedly obtained through illegal means.
Following Taban's arrest, security officials expressed optimism that the breakthrough will help restore calm in the Acholi sub-region and weaken the criminal networks responsible for attacks on civilians.
Lamwo District Police Commander Reagan Magombe said security agencies have intensified operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and curbing the flow of illegal firearms across the Uganda-South Sudan border.
"We have already arrested three key suspects who are providing valuable information that is helping our investigations," Magombe said.
The recent surge in gun violence has sparked concern among residents across the Acholi Sub-region, with many accusing security agencies of failing to effectively contain the growing insecurity.
Authorities believe Taban may have accumulated wealth through criminal activities, with investigations suggesting he recently established a taxi business in Juba using proceeds allegedly obtained through illegal means.
Following Taban's arrest, security officials expressed optimism that the breakthrough will help restore calm in the Acholi sub-region and weaken the criminal networks responsible for attacks on civilians.