Kampala — Over 360 illegal guns have been recovered in Teso sub-region since July 2008.

This was disclosed by the UPDF commander of 'Restore Hope in Teso', Capt. Jeff Okwii.

He said some of the guns were voluntarily handed over to the security authorities.

Okwii said over 5,000 bullets and several army uniforms were also recovered.

He added that the army apprehended suspected criminals found in possession of the guns and other military equipment, adding that the suspects would face the Court Martial.

Okwii explained that the operation followed several murder cases in the region.

He said David Ojuka from Acinga in Acowa sub-county, Amuria district, was found with an illegal gun and several bullets.

Okwii said the army also recovered one stick grenade and an army uniform from Culvin Opus.

About 10 army uniforms were found abandoned in the bushes of Kakori in Malera sub-county, Bukedea district, he added.

Okwii said Charles Akol, also from Malera, was nabbed with a gun, 28 bullets, a pair of binoculars and two army uniforms.

He added that another suspected criminal, identified as Nelson Adome of Kakori in Malera, was found with bullets.

Okwii said in Amuria district, David Oluma voluntarily handed in a gun with 60 bullets, while Robert Edudu surrendered another gun and 26 bullets.

He said in Ongongoja sub-county, Katakwi district, Valentine Ongaria, handed in a gun with 60 bullets.

Okwii attributed the accumulation of illegal guns to arms trafficking, army desertions and the recently disbanded Arrow Group militias.