The Joint Security Forces have, Thursday, arrested a man they suspect was planning an act of terrorism in Pader.

In a statement released by the UPDF Spokesperson, Flavia Byekwaso, the man, identified as Abdul Katumba was arrested at Mikicha Guest House along Canigula Road in Pader Tow, Council.

“Investigations so far indicate that there suspect had the intent of disrupting the funeral proceedings of the late Maj Gen Paul Lokech,” Byekwaso’s statement reads.

Katumba, also known as Ben, was found with an assortment of home bomb-making materials that included assembled homemade bombs, bomb carriers, ball bearings, suicide vests, denotes, Ammonium Sulphate, wire cutters, switches and mobile phones to activate the bombs.

The evidence, according to the UPDF, suggests that he intended to be a suicide bomber.

“Other accomplices in the heinous crime are still at large but have positively been identified and operations to apprehend them are underway,” Byekwaso’s statement reads.

Naj Gen Paul Lokech died on Saturday last week. The cause of death was revealed to be two blood clots in his lung and ankle caused by an injury he sustained weeks before.

On Thursday, the body of the late Deputy IGP, Maj Gen Lokech, was flown to Pader town where it was received with honours. The Pader community commended him for his role as a senior army and police officer who did not shame his native Acholi community.

The burial of the late Deputy IGP will be held on Friday in Pader.

“The joint security forces are in control of the situation and the public is therefore urged to remain calm,” Byekwaso says.