SOROTI CITY: 12 April 2026– Uganda Police have announced a major breakthrough in the investigation into the brutal murder of 36-year-old businesswoman Kokunda Patricia. Following a series of coordinated intelligence-led raids, authorities have apprehended 11 suspects allegedly involved in the aggravated robbery and shooting that sent shockwaves through East Kyoga.
The incident occurred in the early hours of April 3, 2026, near Goalman Supermarket along Station Road. Patricia, a prominent mobile money operator, was intercepted at approximately 4:40 a.m. by armed assailants who shot her before fleeing with a handbag containing millions in cash.
Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma confirmed that the investigation, which initially began with four arrests, expanded rapidly as operations moved across Soroti, Amuria, Kalaki, and Abim Districts.
The police have identified the primary players in what they describe as a highly organized criminal network:
Those arrested include: •Epeu Simon alias Iboda – suspected to have pulled the deceased out of her vehicle. •Emenyu David alias Ogwang Sam alias Olipong – believed to be the shooter. •Okello Emmanuel alias Imorning – described as one of the main planners. •Eyamu Rashid alias Odekuro – alleged initiator of the robbery plan. •Elacu Alfred – suspected supplier of ammunition, together with his wife Akello Hellen. •Okello Alex, Ojele Jorem alias Jogo, Elwanu Julius, Onebo Felix, and Akello Salume (wife to the shooter).
So far, key exhibits have been recovered including a rifle suspected to have been used in the shooting, ammunition, clothing worn during the operation, a red numberless motorcycle, and a Tecno Canon phone belonging to the deceased.
The total cash recovered stands at UGX 10.5 million, out of an estimated UGX 28 million said to have been robbed.
Investigations continue to trace the remaining suspects and establish the full network involved in this organized armed robbery.
