On the evening of December 12, 2025, a routine security checkpoint at Rwamabale, located in Bweramule sub-county in Ntoroko District, turned into a tense situation when police officers intercepted a commuter taxi carrying a suspicious cargo. The police, led by Officer Justus Byamukama, were on patrol at the checkpoint when they flagged down a vehicle with registration number UBF 603 B. The vehicle, a white commuter taxi, was driven by 38-year-old Yahaya Balikowa, a resident of Kasese Municipality. As the officers conducted a standard inspection, they uncovered a dangerous stash of weapons hidden in boxes, plastic buckets, sacks, and even a laptop bag.
The discovery was startling: sharpened pangas, spears, knives, and sickles were neatly packed in the vehicle, raising immediate suspicions about their intended use. Upon closer inspection, the officers realized the weapons were not ordinary tools but clearly designed for violent purposes. The immediate concern was the safety of the surrounding areas, especially given the ongoing tensions in the region. As the situation unfolded, Officer Byamukama, who was stationed at the Rwamabale Police Post, notified colleagues in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the military’s CMI unit, with whom they frequently collaborate on such matters. This coordination led to a swift response.
The suspects in the vehicle, Milton Kajere and Maate Kajere, both male adults from the Kasese District, claimed they were heading to Bundibugyo in search of a market for the weapons. However, their explanation raised more questions than answers. According to the suspects, they had been carrying the weapons from Kasese to Bundibugyo, though it remains unclear why such a large quantity of deadly tools would need to be transported over such a distance. Their story did not seem to align with the severity of the situation, which prompted further investigation.
Given the scale of the operation, it wasn’t just the local police who were involved. The vehicle, along with the suspects and the seized weapons, was redirected to the 10th Mountain Battalion barracks for further interrogation. The District Police Commander (DPC) of Ntoroko, along with officers from the CID, Crime Intelligence Unit (CIO), and the Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO), arrived at the scene to conduct a thorough search and investigation. Statements were recorded from the suspects, and the vehicle was thoroughly examined.
What the officers found was disturbing: 116 sharpened pangas, 46 spears, 166 knives, and 181 sickles—all ready for use in violent confrontations. The sheer number of weapons suggested a premeditated plan, likely to incite violence or chaos in a specific area. The presence of these weapons in such a large quantity raised alarms, especially in a district like Ntoroko, which borders volatile regions.
While the suspects have been taken into custody for further interrogation, their intentions remain unclear. They have been transferred to the Muhoti Mountain Division in Fort Portal, where they will be questioned further about the origins of the weapons, their ultimate destination, and their connections to any potential criminal activities. As of now, investigations are ongoing, and authorities are determined to uncover the full extent of the operation. The involvement of the military and police agencies signals the seriousness with which the authorities are treating this case.
The discovery of such a dangerous load of weapons in a civilian vehicle raises serious questions about the security situation in the region. While Ntoroko has experienced relative peace in recent years, the interception of this shipment is a stark reminder that law enforcement agencies must remain vigilant, especially in areas near conflict zones like Kasese and Bundibugyo. Authorities have assured the public that the investigation will continue, with updates to follow as new developments emerge.
This incident is a significant reminder of the need for heightened security and intelligence-sharing between police and military units in Uganda, especially in border regions where illicit activities are often harder to monitor. The successful interception of this dangerous shipment has likely prevented what could have been a major threat to public safety, but it also underscores the need for continued vigilance in maintaining peace and order in the region.
