BREAKING!! ADF Rebels Disguising As Taxi Passengers Arrested In Uganda With Deadly Weapons , Over 100 Pangas And Spears

What began as a routine evening security operation quickly escalated into a high-alert situation on the night of December 12, 2025, when police officers at Rwamabale security checkpoint in Bweramule Sub-county, Ntoroko District, intercepted a commuter taxi carrying a shocking cache of deadly weapons.

The checkpoint, manned by officers led by Officer Justus Byamukama, was conducting standard patrol operations when a white commuter taxi, registration number UBF 603 B, was flagged down for inspection. The vehicle was being driven by Yahaya Balikowa, a 38-year-old resident of Kasese Municipality. At first glance, the stop appeared routine. However, moments later, the officers uncovered a discovery that would raise serious security concerns across the region.

As police carried out a thorough search of the vehicle, they stumbled upon boxes, plastic buckets, sacks, and even a laptop bag, all concealing a large assortment of weapons. Hidden within were sharpened pangas, spears, knives, and sickles, carefully packed and ready for use. The organized manner in which the weapons were concealed immediately alerted officers that these were not ordinary farming tools or household items, but weapons likely intended for violent purposes.

The discovery sent shockwaves through the security team. Given the number and condition of the weapons, officers grew increasingly concerned about the potential threat to nearby communities. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Officer Byamukama, who is attached to Rwamabale Police Post, promptly alerted colleagues from the Criminal Investigation Department and the military’s Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence unit. The coordinated response that followed underscored the gravity of the incident.

Inside the vehicle were two additional suspects, identified as Milton Kajere and Maate Kajere, both adult males from Kasese District. When questioned, the suspects claimed that they were transporting the weapons from Kasese to Bundibugyo, allegedly in search of a market where they could sell them. However, investigators found this explanation troubling and insufficient. Authorities questioned why such a large quantity of lethal weapons would need to be transported over a long distance if they were meant for legitimate purposes.

Given the scale of the weapons haul and the unanswered questions surrounding it, security officials decided to escalate the matter. The vehicle, the suspects, and all recovered weapons were escorted under heavy security to the 10th Mountain Battalion barracks for further handling and interrogation. Shortly thereafter, the District Police Commander of Ntoroko, along with officers from the CID, Crime Intelligence Unit, and Scene of Crime Officers, arrived to take over the investigation.

A comprehensive examination of the vehicle and documentation of the evidence followed. Statements were recorded from all suspects, and officers meticulously catalogued the recovered items. What they documented was deeply alarming: a total of 116 sharpened pangas, 46 spears, 166 knives, and 181 sickles, all apparently ready for immediate use. The sheer volume of weapons suggested a well-planned operation and raised fears of possible coordinated violence or unrest.

Security analysts noted that the interception was particularly significant given Ntoroko District’s proximity to volatile regions, including parts of Kasese and Bundibugyo. While the district has enjoyed relative calm in recent years, the movement of such a massive stockpile of weapons through civilian transport pointed to serious security vulnerabilities.

The suspects remain in custody and have since been transferred to the Muhoti Mountain Division in Fort Portal, where further interrogation is ongoing. Authorities are now focused on establishing the origin of the weapons, identifying their intended destination, and uncovering any links to organized criminal networks or planned acts of violence. Investigators have not ruled out broader connections and are continuing intelligence-led inquiries.

The involvement of both police and military intelligence units highlights the seriousness with which authorities are treating the case. Officials have emphasized that investigations are still ongoing and that the public will be informed as new details emerge.

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the evolving security challenges facing border districts in Uganda. It underscores the critical importance of heightened vigilance, intelligence sharing, and inter-agency cooperation between police and military units. The successful interception of this dangerous shipment may well have prevented a major threat to public safety, but it also reinforces the need for continued investment in security operations to maintain peace and stability in the region.

As authorities continue to piece together the full scope of the operation, one thing remains clear: routine patrols and alert officers played a decisive role in averting what could have been a serious security crisis.