SOROTI CITY MOBILE MONEY OPERATOR MURDER UPDATE: Fifth Suspect Arrested with Killer Weapon

In a significant breakthrough in the Soroti City murder case, police in the East Kyoga region have arrested a fifth suspect and retrieved a weapon believed to be used in the killing. This follows the tragic shooting of mobile money operator and businesswoman Patricia Kokunda, 32, last week.

On Saturday, April 11th, police confirmed that coordinated operations led to the apprehension of five individuals in connection with this heinous crime.

According to ACP Ibrahim Saiga, the regional police commander, the main suspect, identified as David Emenyu, also known as Lipongo, was taken into custody on April 10th, 2026, in Abim District, where he had been hiding.

Saiga reported that during questioning, Emenyu directed police to the location of the murder weapon in Akaikai village, Soroti District, and disclosed that the firearm was sourced from South Sudan.

The investigation also uncovered other evidence, including a motorcycle used in the crime, cash amounting to 3.5 million shillings believed to be from the robbery, and clothing worn by the attackers during the incident.

Preliminary findings reveal that the suspects had been stalking Kokunda since January 2026, intending to rob her of her earnings.

Police are urging the community to stay alert and report any suspicious behavior or individuals to local law enforcement.

“More updates will follow as the investigation continues,” added ACP Saiga.

What happened?

On April 3, 2026 (Good Friday), Kokunda, a 32-year-old mobile money operator and a businesswoman, was tragically attacked at around 4:40 AM.

Armed assailants struck her at Teso Coach Park along Station Road near Goalman supermarket as she was about to board a taxi to Ocorimongin Cattle Market in Katakwi District.

During this violent incident, her bag—containing an undisclosed amount of cash, a mobile phone, and personal belongings—was stolen before she was fatally shot.

Authorities reported that the attackers, armed with a rifle and riding on anumberless motorcycle, forcibly removed Kokunda from the taxi before stealing her money. Despite being rushed to Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, she sadly succumbed to her injuries.

Following the events, police quickly responded to the scene, where they documented the incident and collected crucial evidence, including two spent cartridges.

The case was logged at Soroti Central Police Station under CRM 47/2026. The East Kyoga police, in collaboration with other security agencies, launched a thorough investigation into this heinous crime.

Investigators reviewed surveillance footage, leading to the immediate arrest of two suspects on the day of the incident. By Saturday, April 4, police reported the arrest of two additional suspects and the recovery of the victim’s smartphone.

On April 5, 2026, police officially identified the four suspects: Alex Okello and Felix Onego were apprehended on the day of the incident, while Simon Epeu, also known as Iboda, was captured in Anyara sub county in Kalaki District and Alfred Elacu, was arrested in Orungo sub county, Amuria District.

Police said during the operations, Kokunda’s discarded smartphone was retrieved from a bush in Kichinjaji, along with cash totaling Shs7m from one of the suspects.