Police recover illegal SAR Rifle in Apac as suspect flees arrest

30 April 2026, 4:19 pm

By Winnie Auma

Police in Apac District have recovered an illegal SAR rifle during an intelligence-led operation in Amia Amola Village, Alworoceng Parish, Ibuje Sub-county.

According to North Kioga regional police spokesperson, Jimmy Patrick Okema, the operation was conducted on April 29, 2026, by a joint team of intelligence officers, including the Deputy District Internal Security Officer (DISO) and Crime Intelligence personnel.

The team successfully retrieved the firearm, which was found in good working condition but without ammunition.The rifle was recovered from the residence of Auna Moses, a 56-year-old teacher at Atigolwok Primary School in Chegere Sub-county. Preliminary findings indicate that the firearm was illegally possessed. Auna is currently on the run and has reportedly been evading authorities since January 2026.

Police link his disappearance to a murder case involving Otim Moses, also known as Ebong Francis, who was killed on January 1, 2026. The alleged perpetrator, Oume Saidi—Auna’s brother—was later killed by a mob on January 15, 2026.

Community members claim that Auna Moses may have incited his brother to commit the murder and had been using the firearm to threaten residents, as well as engaging in poaching activities.

Reports further indicate that Auna recently returned to his home and became aware that he was still wanted by police. On April 28, 2026, he reportedly presented himself to the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Apac, accompanied by his brother, Ekwang Silvesto, a teacher at Alado Primary School.

During the meeting, Auna expressed willingness to hand over the firearm, claiming he had inherited it from his late brother, Okulla Dede.

After recording their statements, the RDC allowed them to return home. However, when the intelligence team returned the following day to arrest Auna and retrieve the weapon, he had fled, leaving the rifle behind.

The firearm was later handed over to police by his relatives.Okema confirmed that the recovered gun is unmarked, has no ammunition, but appears well maintained. It is currently secured at Apac Central Police Station.