On Friday night, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) reportedly repelled an attempt by suspected militants to cross into Uganda through the porous border town of Kasese. The incident occurred in Nyabugando I Cell, Nyabugando Ward of Mpondwe-Lhubiriha Town and resulted in heavy gunfire that began around 11:30 pm and continued past midnight.
Kasese Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Lt. Joe Walusimbi disclosed that the militants faced a swift and prepared response from the UPDF, preventing them from carrying out any harmful activities. Walusimbi, who also serves as the head of security in Kasese District, revealed that intelligence information indicated that the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) had intentions to infiltrate Uganda and steal medicine from nearby healthcare facilities, specifically Mamasabina Orthodox Community Health Centre and Nyabugando Health Centre III. He added, “We have come to understand that the enemies were also possibly interested in abducting medical workers.”
Walusimbi pointed out that the attempted crossing occurred shortly after the healthcare facilities received new drug stocks, suggesting the possibility of individuals within the community providing information to the ADF. Security officials have called on the public to assist in identifying suspected ADF collaborators for appropriate action.
The porous border point where the suspected ADF insurgents were repelled is the same location where the militant group crossed into Uganda in June, leading to a gruesome school attack that resulted in the loss of 44 lives, including 38 students.
Local residents expressed concerns about security in the area, with Rosemary Masika suggesting the need for barracks and increased military presence. Stephen Kato emphasized the importance of improving communication in the Rwenzori Sub-Region due to consistent issues with phone networks displaying DR Congo telecom networks. Residents believe that resolving this challenge would enable them to alert authorities more easily when necessary.
