The Territorial Police in the North Kyoga Region have launched investigations into a violent confrontation involving suspected supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) who allegedly attacked a police surveillance team along the Lira–Alebtong highway near Obot Primary School, Obot A Village, Bar Sub-county.
According to police reports, at around 1:00 p.m., a police vehicle Reg. No. UP 4816 (operating under cover registration UBK 380Q) was intercepted by a group of NUP supporters led by Geoffrey Unzima alias Tawa and another unidentified suspect.
The group, travelling in a vehicle Reg. No. UAN 925Q and a greenish drone Reg. No. UA 933AU, allegedly blocked the police vehicle, deflated all four tyres using sharp objects, seized the car key sensor, and robbed the officers of a Dell laptop (worth Shs 1.5 million), two jerricans of diesel, and other personal belongings.
The victims, SSP Julius Isabirye from CID Headquarters and his driver Sgt. Peter Muhungo, were on surveillance duty during the NUP presidential campaign rally when the attack occurred.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the attackers suspected the police vehicle was carrying a jammer interfering with their online campaign communications. The suspects reportedly trailed the police convoy through several districts, including Manafwa, Namisindwa, Tororo, Busia, Apac, Kwania, Kole, and Lira.
The attack left the police vehicle immobilized, with tyre damage and the loss of the key sensor estimated at Shs 700,000. A case of malicious damage and robbery has been registered under SD Ref: 07/28/10/2025 at Bar Sub-county Police Station.
Police confirmed that 15 suspects travelling in the greenish drone vehicle have been arrested to aid in investigations, while the prime suspects, Geoffrey Unzima alias Tawa and his accomplice, remain at large. Efforts are underway to recover the stolen items and apprehend all those involved.
“We condemn this act of lawlessness and assure the public that perpetrators will be brought to justice,” said SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the North Kyoga Regional Police PRO.
