By Derrick Omoding
Security operatives in Soroti District have recovered a pistol believed to have been used in the attack on Gweri Sub-County LC3 Chairperson Simon Peter Opolot and the murder of Omirio Ward LC1 Chairperson Francis Ederu.
The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Soroti, Mr. Paul Eseru, confirmed that the weapon was discovered on Sunday, buried in a cassava garden, cocked with two bullets. The recovery follows an intensive operation led by joint security forces, including the RDC Soroti District, the Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Soroti City, Uganda Police, and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
The incident involving the LC3 Chairperson occurred on Tuesday, December 2, 2024, when Simon Peter Opolot narrowly escaped death after being targeted by assailants. A day earlier, on Monday night, gunmen attacked Francis Ederu, the LC1 Chairperson of Omirio Cell in Opuyo Ward, Soroti City East Division. Ederu succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital after hours in the intensive care unit.
Peter Pex Park, the RCC of Soroti City, revealed that the recovered pistol belongs to a private security company based in Kampala. “We arrested three suspects who guided the recovery of this pistol,” he stated.
Confidential security sources disclosed that scientific verification confirmed the pistol had been used in the attacks. Kyoga Regional Police Commander (RPC) Damali Nachuha reported that three suspects are currently in custody to assist with investigations, while the prime suspect, identified as Okiror, and three others remain at large. Authorities have urged the public to cooperate fully in efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects.
The attacks have left the community in shock and mourning. Security officials continue to investigate and implement measures to ensure such incidents are not repeated, calling for calm and vigilance among residents as the law takes its course.