KARAMOJA — Joint security agencies in Karamoja have successfully arrested a notorious warrior, John Modo Apokori, who was wanted for the shooting deaths of the Local Council III chairperson of Longaroe sub-county and a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldier in July.

According to Maj. Isaac Oware, the spokesperson of the 3rd Division, Modo Apokori was apprehended after local residents provided information about his hideout. The suspect had been on the run since the incident occurred.

Modo Apokori was responsible for the intentional killing of LC3 Moses Lomuria and Lt. Issa Mayende. The victims were shot dead on July 2, 2023, while they were holding a brief meeting at Longaroe trading center in Kotido district.

The joint security forces, acting on a tip-off, conducted a swift operation that led to the arrest of Modo Apokori at his hideout in Kacheri. During his arrest, a sub-machine gun with the serial number UPDF CP 3036 and six live rounds of ammunition were recovered. These items had reportedly been stolen by the warrior network from a soldier.

The suspect is currently under UPDF custody at the 405 Infantry Brigade headquarters in Nakaperimoru Sub-county, Kotido district. He will undergo thorough investigation and interrogation. Once the investigations are completed, he will be brought before the courts of law to face charges of murder and illegal possession of a firearm, among other counts.

Maj. Oware commended the residents of Kacheri and the security forces operating in Kotido district for their vigilance and timely response that led to the arrest of the suspect. He emphasized that this arrest demonstrates the popular support, goodwill, and commitment to maintaining peace in the region.