Police in Arua successfully thwarted a robbery attempt on October 25, 2024, at Onzivu village in Kuluva Parish, Vurra Sub-County, Arua District, capturing two suspects and recovering stolen goods.
According to police, the operation unfolded during the early hours, leading to the arrest of two suspects: Andama Musema, 39, a bodaboda rider from Pajuru Zova Village, Ayivu West, and Muzamiru Aryongi, 40, from Manibe Cell, Ayivu East, Arua City.
The identity of a third suspect who was fatally injured remains unknown. Police have opened investigations under CRB 231/2024.
The West Nile Region Acting Police Spokesperson, SP Asea Collins, reported that the night patrol team was alerted to the incident, which involved armed suspects unloading goods from two trailers transporting cement from Kampala to Arua City.
During the confrontation, police fired warning shots to deter the suspects. Tragically, one suspect was hit by a stray bullet and later succumbed to his injuries.
“Officers responding to the scene found the suspects forcefully unloading goods from the trailers and reportedly armed. To prevent the robbery, police fired warning shots to stop the suspects. During the confrontation, an unidentified individual was injured by a stray bullet and later succumbed to the injuries,” Asea stated.
During the operation, authorities recovered 11 bags of cement, a large water tank, and motorcycles believed to be used in the transportation of stolen goods. These items are now secured at Arua District Police as evidence.
Police are currently collecting statements from the truck driver and other witnesses to advance the investigation.
SP Asea assured the community of police commitment to public safety and encouraged anyone with additional information to come forward to aid the investigation.
The incident has provided a sense of relief to traders, truck drivers, and travellers who have recently faced an increase in highway robberies along the Arua-Nebbi Highway.
Security officials had identified the stretch between Bondo and Odianyadri Trading Centers as a hotspot for such robberies, and traders have expressed concerns over the poor road conditions that slow down buses and trucks, making them easier targets for criminals.
