Two men in custody after police recover loaded magazine in Gulu City

17 February 2026, 4:32 pm

By Gift Okello

Police in Gulu City have arrested two men on suspicion of illegal possession of ammunition after a loaded magazine containing 30 rounds was allegedly recovered from a residential house.

The suspects, 18-year-old Opwomungu Josua and 40-year-old Kilama Willy, both residents of Pecce Prisons Cell in Prison Ward, Laroo-Pecce Division, are currently detained at Gulu City East Policing Division as investigations continue.

According to police, the matter was reported on 15 February 2026 at around 7:00 a.m., when Ouma Benard Oweka alerted officers at Gulu City East Police Station after discovering a magazine loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition, wrapped in a white cover and hidden under his bed while cleaning his room.

The Aswa West Police spokesperson, ASP Ongom David Mudong, said detectives recovered the ammunition and documented it as an exhibit.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects had been staying in the house during Oweka’s absence, leading to their arrest, as police continue to establish the source and intended use of the ammunition.

Speaking to the media, Peter Banya, the Resident City Commissioner for Gulu City East, confirmed the arrests and said investigations are ongoing. He cited last year’s fatal shootings, in which two people were killed by unknown assailants, as having heightened insecurity in the city, with a firearm later recovered along Tegwana Ali Openy Road.

Meanwhile, Okoya Alex, the LCII Chairperson of Labour Line, called on senior security authorities to intensify operations to curb insecurity in the city, citing continued attacks on residents by suspected criminals.

Police say the suspects will be charged in court once investigations are complete.