SECURITY RECOVERS GUN FROM EX-REBEL IN KOBOKO

By Moses Alinda

KOBOKO: Security forces in West Nile have recovered an AK47 rifle with five rounds of ammunition from the former National Army for Salvation (NAS) rebel in Oraba Town Council, Koboko district.

NAS is a South Sudan-based rebel group that fights against the ruling South Sudan government.

According to the West Nile Region Police Spokesperson, Josephine Angucia, the rifle was recovered on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at about 5:00 p.m during the security operation.

The operation involved the police, the Internal Security Officer (ISO), and the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), led by the police.

Angucia disclosed that the number of the rifle has not been identified because of rust. The police officer said the recovery was a result of voluntary disarmament through DISO’s office by his contacts, who convinced the former NAS rebel after denouncing the rebellion and returning home to Uganda to resettle with the family.

‘’This recovery was a result of voluntary disarmament through DISO’s office by his contacts, who convinced the former NAS rebel after denouncing the rebellion and returning home to Uganda to resettle with the family,’’ she added.

Without disclosing the identity, the regional police mouthpiece said they recorded a statement from the former rebel, who promised to encourage other former rebels to do the same for the safety of their communities.

‘’He may not be prosecuted since he handed over the weapon voluntarily,’’ Angucia said, adding that the recovery is being handled under Koboko CPS SD ref 66/09/08/2023.

Angucia therefore encouraged ex-rebels or other citizens who are illegally holding guns to hand them over voluntarily to the area police, ISO, or UPDF for further management, asserting that illegal guns in the hands of the wrong people are not only unlawful but can be a source of insecurity in the community.

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