Five Suspected Gang Members Interrogated by RDC in Labongo Amida, Kitgum District

3 September 2025, 5:51 pm

By Otim Moses

Five suspected gang members from Oryang Ojuma A and Oryang Ojuma North” A” villages in Labongo Amida Sub-County, Kitgum District, were on Tuesday brought before the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for interrogation. They appeared in the company of their parents and guardians to respond to allegations of terrorizing the community.

The suspects are accused of engaging in criminal activities including theft of livestock and poultry, assaulting residents on roads, and moving at night with dangerous weapons such as pangas and knives.

During a recent community baraza held on August 28, 2025, in Oryang Village and chaired by the Assistant RDC, Mr. Oguti Geoffrey, residents were encouraged to write down the names of known gang members. Five names were submitted, although 38 other residents declined to identify suspects, citing fear of retaliation.

Mr. Obwona Thomas, LC1 Chairperson of Oryang Ojuma North, said the community had proposed measures such as enforcing a night curfew, carrying out joint night patrols with security forces, and arresting boda boda riders suspected of collaborating with the gangs.

“He added that Food for the Hungry, a humanitarian organization, had planned to distribute 130 goats to beneficiaries in the two villages, but the initiative was suspended due to fears of persistent theft.”

Deputy RDC Mr. Oyo Walter Komakech issued a stern warning to the suspects, emphasizing that failure to reform would result in arrest and prosecution. He also urged the community to take proactive steps in securing their neighborhoods, while assuring residents that security forces would apply necessary force to protect lives and property whenever required.