Lira, Uganda | Police in North Kyoga Region have detained fifteen suspects following a violent attack on a police surveillance team attached to the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) during the ongoing National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential campaign activities in Lira District.
The incident happened on October 28, 2025, at around 1:00 pm along the Lira – Alebtong highway near Obot Primary School, Bar Sub-county.
The police team, led by SSP Isabirye Julius and his driver No. 55181 Sgt. Muhungo Peter, was reportedly on official surveillance duty when their vehicle, Reg. No. UP 4816 (operating under cover plate UBK 380Q), was intercepted and attacked by a group of NUP foot soldiers.
Reports indicate that the group, led by Geoffrey Unzima alias Tawa and an unidentified accomplice, blocked the police vehicle using a greenish drone Reg. No. UA 933AU and another motor vehicle Reg. No. UAN 925Q.
The attackers allegedly punctured all four tyres with sharp metallic objects, seized the car key sensor, and robbed a Dell laptop computer, two jerricans of diesel fuel, and a bag of clothes belonging to the complainant.
Police investigations suggest that the suspects believed the police vehicle was carrying a jammer interfering with their communication network.
The same vehicle had reportedly been spotted following the campaign trail across several districts, including Manafwa, Namisindwa, Tororo, Busia, Apac, Kwania, Kole, Lira Rural, and Lira City, before proceeding toward Alebtong District.
The attack left the police vehicle immobile, with damage estimated at about Shs 700,000, covering tyre repair and reprogramming of the key sensor.
A case of malicious damage and robbery was recorded at Bar Sub-county Police Station under SD Ref: 07/28/10/2025.
The scene was visited by the OC Station and OC CID Bar Sub-county, who documented evidence and recorded statements from the complainant and his driver.
Fifteen suspects who were travelling in the greenish drone were arrested and the vehicle impounded to aid ongoing investigations.
Police have since intensified efforts to locate and arrest the main suspects, Geoffrey Unzima alias Tawa and his accomplice, who remain at large.
Investigators are also working to recover the stolen items and identify any additional participants in the attack.
In an update from the North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the regional command reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all individuals involved in the act of violence are brought to justice.
The police further urged political actors to conduct campaign activities peacefully and within the confines of the law, warning that security forces will not tolerate any acts of lawlessness during the election period.