By Ronald Alele Ongwech,
LIRA CITY
Territorial Police in Lira-City Central Division have launched an investigation into a case of illegal possession of government stores, specifically a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) uniform, following the arrest of a 25-year-old man.
Omara Bruno was apprehended late on the night of August 4th, 2025, while dressed in full UPDF combat gear along Juba Road in the Jinja Camp Cell area of Barogole Ward, Lira-City West Division.
According to the police statement released by SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, the North Kyoga Region Public Relations Officer, Bruno claims he obtained the uniform from a friend, Otim Thomas. Bruno stated that Otim requested his escort to Angwetangwet to pick up Otim’s girlfriend. When Bruno protested that his own clothes were dirty, Otim allegedly insisted they go to his house, where he provided Bruno with the UPDF trousers and shirt.
“Bruno tried to resist putting on [the uniform] but Otim convinced him,” the police statement reads. Otim reportedly also put on a UPDF uniform, adding a military jacket.
The two men then began walking along Juba Road and boarded a Boda Boda heading towards Angwetangwet. Their journey was abruptly interrupted when a vehicle sped up, parked in front of their motorcycle, and two armed men emerged, one reportedly carrying an AK-47 rifle.
The situation turned chaotic. “Otim upon seeing them took off and disappeared,” the statement details, adding that the Boda Boda rider also sped away. Bruno, however, was arrested by the men, who turned out to be security personnel. He was initially taken to Lira Army Barracks and transferred to Lira-City Central Division police station the following day.
Police investigations are now focused on locating the fugitive, Otim Thomas, for arrest and prosecution. Authorities also revealed receiving information that Otim’s parents are both reportedly UPDF soldiers attached to Bombo Barracks, although this detail is yet to be verified.
The police statement expressed deeper concerns, suggesting this incident might not be isolated. “We suspect this could not be the first time these boys are putting on army uniform to terrorise the community,” SP Okema stated, citing several previously registered cases of alleged robberies involving individuals impersonating soldiers.
Efforts are ongoing to trace Otim Thomas and verify the military status of his alleged parents. The police are treating the illegal possession and wearing of the UPDF uniform as a serious offence.
