QFM
Twenty suspects arrested and detained at Lira Central Police Station
16 June 2026, 8:33 am
By Regina Lalam Olal
According to the Police report the twenty suspects were arrested on 15th June 2026 after protests on the Lira-Soroti Highway near Hotel Komar turned violent.
The report has been confirmed by Jimmy Patrick Okema, Police Spokesman for North Kyoga Region.
The operation was conducted by joint police officers from Lira City East, Lira City Central divisions, the Field Force Unit, and a team of UPDF from Lira Barracks
Jimmy Patrick Okema
Trouble started at 9:00am when Lira City Council enforcement officers tried to impound motorcycles at Uhuru Bar Stage over unpaid taxes.
Riders resisted after one operator was arrested despite claiming he had paid.
Protesters blocked the highway with logs and burning tires, pelted stones at police, and damaged two police vehicles: UP 7722 and UP 5599. Tear gas and warning shots were fired to disperse the crowd. All barricades were later removed and traffic restored.
Protesters blocked the street
Okema said Police patrols remain on ground as investigations continue. Boda registration is still ongoing but enforcement operations have been temporarily halted.
List of 20 Suspects Detained at Lira Central Police Station:
- Okene Gerald
- Okello Kenneth
- Okello Brian
- Eyeny Innocent
- Otim Joshua
- Odyeng Kenneth
- Okwir Isaac
- Emenyo Ronald
- Oleya Bonny
- Owal Benard
- Ogwang Moris
- Otim Robinson
- Okeng Daniel
- Okidi Jaspher
- Emuna Dan
- Apoka Tobby
- Acuma Isaac
- Okello Quinto
- Ocen Aron
- Ayo George