Police Officer Wounded as Stolen Vehicle from Kenya Intercepted in Lira

In a dramatic incident, a police officer from Lira Central Police Station sustained a gunshot wound to the stomach during the interception of a Toyota Land Cruiser, registration number KDH 790K, suspected to have been stolen from Kenya.

The wounded officer, Tony Ebong, along with three other individuals – George Otyato from Awendo in Migori County, Kenya, Hussein Akako from Tororo-Malaba, and Paul Omara from Oyugisi Homa Bay County, Kenya – were injured in the confrontation. The incident took place when a team of regular police and Flying Squad operatives set up a checkpoint at Adwali cell, Boroboro ward, in Lira City East Division.

The intercepted vehicle has been impounded and is currently parked at Lira Central Police Station. Authorities are actively engaged in efforts to locate one suspect who is alleged to have escaped during the operation.

All the injured individuals are currently receiving medical care at Lira Regional Referral Hospital. The circumstances of their involvement in the incident remain unclear.

The interception unfolded following information received by the police about a suspected stolen vehicle from Kenya. The case was officially recorded under Reference Number OB 24/9/11/2023 at Karuri Police Station, indicating that the vehicle was believed to be entering Uganda via the Busia border.

According to reports, the suspects attempted to mislead authorities by changing the number plates to UBE 665K while in Dokolo district. This move was seemingly aimed at confusing law enforcement officials.

Patrick Jimmy Okema, the North Kyoga Police Spokesperson, confirmed that the vehicle’s movements through Tororo, Mbale, Soroti, and Lira were tracked using a monitoring system. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the details surrounding this incident and the individuals involved.