ADF THREAT: UPDF Rolls Security Blanket Over Rwenzori Districts

Uganda’s security services are assembling one of the largest joint combat forces in history to respond to a multifaceted security threat posed by the terror group Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in the Rwenzori area, Chimp Corps report.

The battle-hardened strike units are being positioned in several Ugandan districts neighbouring the fragile eastern part of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Police on Monday said, “As the Joint Security Agencies, we continue to conduct intensified patrols, especially along ungazetted entry points in the Districts of Ntoroko and Bundibugyo, Kasese, Kibaale, and Kabarole.”

A source told ChimpReports that the UPDF has not only increased its deployments of soldiers inside the eastern DRC to hunt down ADF remnants “but has also deployed heavy artillery, special forces, reconnaissance equipment, unmanned aerial vehicles, and other weapons in preparation for a possible ADF attack on Ugandan territory.”

Suspected ADF militants recently killed 44 people in an attack in Kasese District.

Police said they have since observed movements of suspicious people in the Rwenzori area, which is home to some of Uganda’s most attractive tourism spots.

“We are daring them to attempt an attack on Uganda,” said a senior UPDF commander who preferred anonymity to speak freely, emphasising, “It will be the end of the ADF.”

Suspicious people 

Police said the decision to intensify security operations in the Rwenzori region followed arrests of suspicious people in the area.

For example, a joint security cordon and search operation carried out in Kisege village, Kamugutu sub-county in Ntoroko District, led to the arrest of 34 suspected wrongdoers.

“The suspects are not known by local leaders and did not have any substantive identification documents,” said police.

In another incident, suspicious-looking strangers were sighted in Nyabweya on June 28, 2023, and in Muhwezi village, Burambira parish, Kabarole District.

Ugandan and Congolese forces are conducting military operations against ADF forces in eastern DRC.

The ADF had established camps and networks near the Ugandan border, terrorising area residents.

The UK government recently warned that terror attacks were possible in Uganda.

Lubangakene killed

Tensions in the Rwenzori region were also heightened by the killing of a top ADF rebel commander in Eastern DRC.

“On July 10, 2023, the UPDF, under its operation Shuja and in coordination with the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC), killed one of the most notorious ADF commanders, identified as Lubangakene, with three of his fighters during a counter-terrorism operation in Mwalika Valley in North Kivu Province, Eastern DRC,” said Police.

Several guns were recovered, including a PMK machine gun.

Authorities say the ADF commander was one of the most wanted ADF terrorists for the many atrocities he committed against innocent civilians, including children in the DRC and Uganda.

“The fight against the ADF, both externally and internally, still continues as their remnants continue to kill, maim, and terrorize communities in the Eastern DRC and along the Western Ugandan border,” said police.

Officials said the ADF could as well try to avenge the death of Lubangakene by attacking Uganda.

Security services are also investigating a threatening letter purportedly written and signed by an ADF commander.

The letter, written in Kishwahili, alleges the ADF’s plans to attack Kaswa trading center, Tamteco tea factory, Mpanga tea factory, and Kiamara primary school.

“Such terror letters have an implied threat and can be very scary for communities,” said Police.

“We want to assure the respective communities about the presence and visibility of our Joint Security Teams. And for them to know that an anonymous threat can be from fearmongers within the community.”

Police posted a sample of the anonymous letter for residents in Busoro sub-county to take a look at.

“If there is anyone who recognizes the writing style, we ask them to inform the nearest Police or Security Agency. All managers of Tea factories around Busoro sub-county, school administrators, and the community have been mobilized to remain vigilant. We ask that you reach out to the nearest security agency if you see something suspicious or threatening.”