The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has intensified its operations along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo in Kasese in the hunt for suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels who killed three people recently.
The insurgents launched a fatal attack on Tuesday evening, claiming the lives of two foreign tourists and a local citizen in the pristine wilderness of Queen Elizabeth National Park in Western Uganda.
The assault occurred on Katwe Road, nestled between Lake Nyamununka and Kabatooro within the boundaries of this renowned national park, leaving in its wake a somber trail of tragedy and sorrow.
The victims of this heinous attack included tourists from the United Kingdom and South Africa, along with their Ugandan guide, who were brutally slain during what was supposed to be a leisurely safari adventure.
The attackers, identified as ADF rebels, not only extinguished precious lives but also set ablaze the safari vehicle belonging to Gorilla and Wildlife Safaris, serving as a stark testament to the horrific events that transpired.
In response to this cowardly act of terrorism, Ugandan security forces promptly launched a joint operation to pursue the suspected ADF insurgents responsible for the brutal killings.
The Uganda Police, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), and the Uganda Wildlife Authority personnel have united their efforts in a resolute mission to bring the assailants to justice and restore a sense of security to the region.
The Uganda Police released a statement expressing their deepest condolences to the families of the victims, condemning the act and vowing to aggressively pursue the perpetrators.
These attacks serve as a grim reminder of the continued threats posed by the ADF rebels, who have been the target of a UPDF operation in the Democratic Republic of Congo since November 2021. They are used by the ADF as a tactic to divert attention away from their operations in the DRC.
Army spokesperson Brig Felix Kulayigye emphasized that Uganda remains a safe destination for tourists, assuring that the suspects will be tracked down and apprehended. The Ugandan government remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of visitors to the country.
This tragic incident follows a series of attacks attributed to the ADF rebels in the region. Last week, they ambushed a truck along the Kasese-Mpondwe border highway, killing two occupants and setting the vehicle ablaze. In June, the rebels targeted Mpondwe-Lhubiriha Secondary School, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 43 lives, including 37 students.
Such acts of violence and terror have raised serious concerns about the ongoing threat posed by ADF insurgents in the region.
Ugandan authorities, along with international partners, are actively working to counter this menace and ensure the safety of those residing in and visiting this beautiful and historically significant part of the world
