Paidha, Zombo District: Security authorities in Zombo District have declared “Gunter Stage,” a notorious hangout along Ofaka Road in Paidha Town Council, as a major hub for organised crime, linking the site to narcotics trafficking, armed robberies and violent assaults that have left residents living in fear.
The hotspot, located in Zingili Cell, Zingili Ward, along the busy Ofaka Road near Rukidi Church of Uganda, has reportedly become a gathering point for idle gang members who loiter from early morning until late night, openly peddling and consuming drugs, including marijuana and thina, a local term for smuggled aviation fuel inhaled as an intoxicant.
Multiple residents told DailyExpress that criminal activity at the stage has continued with minimal interference, despite repeated complaints to local leaders and security personnel.
A local leader, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisals, said the criminal enclave emerged in 2021 following the COVID-19 lockdowns, gradually degenerating into a base for career criminals involved in street-level drug distribution, violent robberies and aggravated assaults.
“The place changed after COVID. Since then, it has been taken over by criminals who attack people, especially at night,” the leader said.
The escalating gang activity has forced fear into the community, with female traders reportedly avoiding Paidha Market after dusk to escape harassment and robbery by suspected gang members.
Residents say the situation mirrors the 2020–2021 daylight robberies along Ofaka Road near Bar Okoro Stadium, which only subsided after vigilante mobs lynched and burned six suspected robbers in broad daylight, an episode still fresh in local memory.
Latest Attack
In the latest reported incident, a gang allegedly operating from Gunter Stage attacked Javis Okia, 28, of Akir Cell, Central Ward, at around 2:00 am on January 1, 2026.
According to police and eyewitness accounts, the assailants ambushed Okia as he walked home, beating him severely before stealing his mobile phone and cash. “They intercepted me on my way home, beat me until I became unconscious, and made off with my phone and money. I thank God I’m alive,” Okia said.
His mother, Jerese, confirmed the unprovoked robbery-assault, saying her son sustained multiple injuries, including head trauma and extensive swelling to his limbs and face.
Eyewitnesses described three or more attackers stomping on the victim, hurling stones and attempting to drop a heavy banana stem on him before fleeing the scene.
Good Samaritans rushed Okia to Cwiny Maleng Medical Clinic, from where he was referred to Goli Health Centre IV, where he is currently recovering.
Police issued a medical examination form (PF3) and recorded statements under Paidha Police Station reference SD 04/01/01/2026. No arrests had been made by press time, although Okia said he could identify at least three known suspects.
Days later, another resident, identified as Opar, from Awora Trading Centre, reported being confronted and assaulted by the same group, who questioned his late-night movements before dispersing upon spotting approaching motorcycle headlights.
Claims of Sexual Harassment
A female resident, Patricia (not her real name), narrated a separate incident of sexual harassment near the same location. “Those gang members intercepted me as I returned from the market, groped my private parts and breasts while questioning me about my marital status. I screamed, and they ran away. That place is a no-go zone,” she said.
Residents accuse some local leaders of turning a blind eye out of fear, allowing criminal activity, including open drug sales and violent phone snatching, to flourish unchecked.
Authorities Speak Out
Josephine Angucia, the West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson, confirmed that investigations are ongoing. “Names of suspects have been submitted, but we need solid evidence to apprehend and successfully prosecute the perpetrators,” SSP Angucia said.
Meanwhile, Bruno Mananu, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner for Zombo, vowed a security crackdown on the hotspot. “Security forces are prepared to dismantle this criminal network. All perpetrators will be brought to justice,” Mananu said.
He warned parents and ward leaders to rein in their youth or face mass arrests. “You cannot outmatch us. We have the manpower to surround and collar every last one,” he added.
The surge in gang-related crime comes as the district prepares for the January 15 general elections, raising concerns that unchecked thuggery could undermine public safety and electoral peace in Zombo.
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