By Mike Rwothomio

Police in Zombo District have arrested Patrick Odongo, a resident of Aciro village, Pakia Parish, Warr Sub-County, for allegedly growing and selling marijuana over a long period.

The Friday, 14 August operation was led by officers from Zombo District Police Commander SP Job Mutegeki, alongside local leaders and area residents.

Public anger peaked on August 10, when Odongo reportedly cut a major pipe from the Can Koba gravitational water flow system, disconnecting the water supply for 146 households.

The gravity flow system was originally constructed in 1993 by the Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV) under the then Nebbi District Local Government.

A joint operation by police, local leaders and community members led to the uprooting of fresh marijuana plants from Odongo’s garden and the discovery of dried marijuana inside his house.

The suspect is currently detained at Warr Police Post while investigations continue.

SP Job Mutegeki, Zombo District Police Commander, speaking after the operation, confirmed the arrest and stated that the case is being actively investigated. 

He warned alleged drug dealers of strict legal action.

“We have one suspect who went and smoke opium, and eventually cut the water pipe supplying water to hundreds of residents within Warr Sub County. Upon getting him, we checked his place and found him planting Marijuana and also we discovered some in his house,” SP Mutegeki explained.

He added: “The issue has grown so much big within Zombo District and we are yet to carry out a big operation against the marijuana production.”

Albert Onyay, LCI Chairperson of Aciro Village, confirmed that the suspect deliberately cut off tf water pipe on August 10, leaving 146 households without water.

"He said he doesn't want water pipe to pass underground his compound, he eventually cut off the pipe on August 10. When we tried to convince him, he refused to repair it" Onyay explained.

A community member said they have now resorted to drawing unclean water from distant streams like Aciro and Cwara Daga.

James Cekecan Apoi, LCIII Chairperson of Warr Sub-County, cautioned against widespread marijuana cultivation, confirmed the resulting water crisis, and noted the historical importance of the 1993 water system to the community.

Community members jointly participated in the raid on the suspect’s home and expressed public anger over the destroyed water infrastructure.

In Uganda, marijuana planting is strictly prohibited under the Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, 2023. This updated law replaces the older 2015 legislation, which was nullified by the Constitutional Court in 2023 due to a lack of parliamentary quorum during its passing.

The Uganda Police Force Annual Crime Report 2025 highlighted persistent enforcement actions against illicit narcotics, noting that 112 specific cases were linked directly to marijuana, alongside 5 cases involving both marijuana and methamphetamine.

Suspect offloading fresh cannabis uprooted from his garden

Community gather at the water point he reportedly disconnected deliberately.

Mike Rwothomio is the news editor at Zoomer Africa your number one grassroot information hub for African news trends and updates.