Security agencies ordered to boost Intelligence as gun violence escalates in Acholi
"The intelligence system must be proactive and effective. Criminals do not operate in isolation; they live within communities, and gathering timely information is key to stopping them," Ambako said.
Omoro: Security agencies across the Acholi sub-region have been directed to intensify intelligence-gathering operations following a surge in gun-related violence that has claimed more than five lives over the last three months and heightened fear among residents.
The directive was issued by Lt. Col. (Rtd) Ambako Kibrai, the Senior Presidential Advisor on Mobilization at the RDC Secretariat, during a week-long monitoring tour of government projects across the region.
Ambako tasked Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), District Internal Security Officers (DISOs), Gombolola Internal Security Officers (GISOs), and military intelligence personnel to strengthen intelligence networks capable of identifying and dismantling criminal gangs behind the recent wave of armed attacks.
“The intelligence system must be proactive and effective. Criminals do not operate in isolation; they live within communities, and gathering timely information is key to stopping them,” Ambako said.
A former Regional Intelligence Security Officer (RISO) for Northern Uganda, covering Acholi, Lango and West Nile, Ambako expressed concern over what he described as declining intelligence standards in the region.
During meetings with RDCs and DISOs in the Acholi districts, he identified gaps in intelligence collection and directed district security leaders to organize refresher training for intelligence officers.
“GISOs must learn to engage people wherever they go—whether in trading centres, bars or public gatherings. Building trust allows people to share information that can help prevent crime,” he said.
According to Ambako, many intelligence officers interact with members of the public but often fail to gather useful information, instead reporting only obvious observations to their supervisors.
Drawing on his experience during the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency, Ambako said community-based intelligence played a crucial role in weakening rebel networks.
He recalled how relationships built with the wives of rebel commanders in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps encouraged some fighters to surrender, while similar community engagement strategies helped women in Teso and Karamoja convince relatives to hand over illegally held firearms.
“The same methods can work today because criminals often have connections within their communities,” he added.
Communities living in fear
The renewed push for intelligence-led policing comes amid an increase in armed robberies targeting business operators and boda boda riders across Acholi.
Among the most serious incidents was an attack at LT Petrol Station in Laliya, Gulu City, where armed assailants shot dead a security guard and injured three others. One of the injured later died from gunshot wounds.
Other incidents include the killing of a 24-year-old shop attendant in Awach Sub-county and the fatal shooting of a man in Ongako Sub-county, Omoro District.
In the latest attack, armed robbers assaulted a female police officer at Lalogi Police Station in Omoro District before fleeing with her firearm.
On June 9, 2026, gunmen also murdered mobile money operator Morish Ochana in Kalongo Town Council, Agago District. On the same night, another business in Omiya Anyima Sub-county, Kitgum District, was robbed of Shs8 million.
The attacks have increased anxiety among residents and business owners despite earlier assurances from the Fourth Infantry Division Commander, Maj. Gen. Felix Busizoori, that a joint security operation had been launched to combat armed crime.
In Awach Sub-county, some traders have reportedly started closing their businesses as early as 7:00 p.m. due to security fears.
Leaders back tougher action
Omoro District LCV Chairperson Andrew Okot Obibi said local leaders are ready to work closely with security agencies to restore public confidence and improve security.
He suggested that once the suspected ringleader of the criminal gang is arrested, authorities should consider conducting a public trial similar to the historic “Panda Gari” operations to discourage would-be offenders.
“We are prepared to support security agencies in any way possible. Communities need to see that justice is being done,” Obibi said.
Meanwhile, police in Agago District have arrested three suspects in connection with the murder of Morish Ochana. The suspects, including two Rwandan nationals and one Ugandan, remain in custody as investigations continue.
As gun-related crime continues to spread across the Acholi sub-region, residents are calling for swift and decisive action from security agencies to restore safety and prevent further disruption to business and community life.
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