By Mike Rwothomio

Law enforcement authorities in Zombo District have designated "Gunter Stage," a notorious hangout along Ofaka Road in Paidha Town Council, as a major hub for organized criminal activity, including narcotics trafficking (marijuana and "thina" , a local term for smuggled aviation fuel used as an inhalant), armed robberies, and aggravated assaults on pedestrians.

The site, located in Akir Cell, Zingili Ward, along the busy Ofaka Road and close to Rukidi Church of Uganda on the outskirts of commercial Paidha, has become a haven for idle gang members who loiter from dawn until late night.

Anonymous sources report open drug peddling and consumption with little interference, despite complaints from residents.

A local leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the hotspot emerged in 2021 following COVID-19 lockdowns and quickly devolved into a den for career criminals engaging in street-level drug distribution and violent assaults.

The escalating gang activity has driven fear into the community, particularly among female traders who now avoid Paidha Market to evade targeting by these thugs, many locals say.

The situation echoes 2020-2021 daylight robberies along Ofaka Road near Bar Okoro Stadium, which were only curtailed after vigilante mobs lynched and burned six suspected perpetrators in broad daylight.

In the latest brazen attack on January 1, 2026, a gang from Gunter Stage ambushed 28-year-old resident Javis Okia of Akir Cell, Central Ward, around 2:00 a.m. The assailants subjected Okia to a savage beating, inflicting multiple blunt-force traumas, severe head injuries, and extensive swelling to his limbs, head, and eyes.

Thugs fled with his mobile phone and cash after rendering him unconscious.Good Samaritans rescued Okia and rushed him to Cwiny Maleng Medical Clinic before transfer to Goli Health Center IV, where he is recovering.

Okia's mother, Jerese, confirmed the unprovoked robbery-assault, while the victim stated: "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."

Eyewitnesses described a mob of three or more perpetrators stomping on the victim, hurling stones, and attempting to drop a heavy banana stem on him before fleeing. Okia shared that he can identify three known suspects.

Police have issued a medical examination form (PF3) and are recording statements from witnesses under Paidha Police Station reference SD 04/01/01/2026. No arrests have been made yet.

West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson SSP Josephine Angucia confirmed ongoing investigations, noting suspect names have been submitted but emphasizing the need for solid evidence to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators.

Days later, another victim, Opar from Awora Trading Center, reported being confronted and assaulted by the same rowdy crew, who questioned his late-night movements before scattering at approaching motorcycle lights.

Female resident Patricia recounted a separate incident of sexual harassment: "Those gangbangers intercepted me returning from the market, groped my private parts and breasts while grilling me about my marital status. I screamed, and they vanished. That spot is a no-go zone."

Residents accuse local leaders of turning a blind eye out of fear, allowing the criminal acts to thrive unchecked. Many demand permanent shutdown of the stage, citing open narcotics sales and violent robberies targeting phones, handbags, and cash.

Authorities speak out

Assistant Resident District Commissioner Bruno Mananu vowed a crackdown: "Security forces are prepared to dismantle this criminal network. All perpetrators will be brought to justice."

Mananu warned parents and ward leaders to rein in their youths, threatening mass arrests: "You cannot outmatch us , we have the manpower to surround and collar every last one."

The surge in gang-related crime comes amid preparations for upcoming January 15 polls, raising concerns that unchecked thuggery could undermine public safety and electoral peace in Zombo District.

Community leaders, fearing retaliation, have anonymously called for decisive intervention to eradicate the hotspot and restore order.

Javis Okia, who was brutally attacked at Gunter stage on New years day, is recovering in one of the health facilities.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa your number one grassroot information hub