By Flavia Oyuu, Communications Office, Lira Diocese
Twenty people have been arrested following a violent demonstration that resulted in damage to police vehicles and disruption of traffic along the Lira–Soroti Highway in Lira City.
The incident occurred on the morning of June 15, 2026, between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. near Hotel Komar, according to the North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Jimmy Patrick Okema.
Police say the unrest stemmed from an operation conducted by law enforcement officers from Lira City Council at Uhuru Bar Boda Boda Stage to impound motorcycles belonging to operators who had allegedly failed to pay taxes levied by the City Council.
According to SP Okema, the operation met resistance from some boda boda riders, and tensions escalated when one of the operators was arrested despite claims that he had already paid the required tax.
“The arrest triggered unrest among a section of boda boda riders who became violent and confronted the law enforcement officers,” SP Okema said.
The situation worsened when other individuals operating around the Uhuru Bar area joined the disturbance. The group later blocked the Lira–Soroti Highway near Hotel Komar, disrupting traffic and public activities.
Police officers from Lira City East Division Police Station, Lira City Central Police Station, and the Field Force Unit (FFU) responded to the scene to restore order. However, the demonstrators reportedly turned hostile and pelted stones at the officers, damaging two police vehicles.
The damaged vehicles include motor vehicle registration number UP 7722 attached to Lira City East Division Police Station and motor vehicle registration number UP 5599 attached to Lira City Central Police Station.
A reinforcement team from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) based at Lira Barracks later joined police in restoring calm. Tear gas and warning shots were fired to disperse the crowd and prevent further destruction of property.
Police arrested 20 suspects who are currently being held at Lira Central Police Station on allegations of malicious damage to property as investigations continue.
Following the incident, all road barricades erected by the demonstrators were removed and normal traffic flow restored.
Police have since deployed personnel along the affected streets to maintain law and order, while patrol teams from Lira City East and Lira City Central police divisions continue to monitor the situation. Intelligence officers have also been tasked with identifying other individuals who may have participated in the unlawful acts.
Meanwhile, authorities have temporarily suspended the enforcement operation to allow investigations into the incident and the grievances raised by the boda boda operators. However, registration activities are continuing normally.
SP Okema said the situation is currently under control and further updates will be communicated as investigations progress.
End
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