Kampala, Uganda. The security situation along Uganda’s western border, particularly in the Rwenzori area, remains a key focus for the Ugandan People’s Defence Force (UPDF) and Joint Security Teams.
This is due to the persistent threat posed by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Amid the ongoing successful UPDF operations against the ADF, authorities are maintaining a heightened state of alert and closely monitoring potential security threats along the western border.
According to Fred Enanga, the Uganda Police Spokesperson, there is no specific intelligence indicating new ADF attacks along the Rwenzori bloc with the DRC.
However, authorities are closely monitoring ADF activities in the Bukuka Hills region across the border and incidents of insecurity in Lhubirira Kasindi in Goma, DRC, which occurred on December 12, 2024.
ADF Rebel Arrest
Enaga further highlights the proactive stance of Ugandan security forces, on February 12, 2024, at around 3 pm, territorial police in Rwenzori East and Mpondwe successfully apprehended Bahati Abdul Razak, a 28-year-old ADF rebel from Todoli in the DRC.
Razak was part of the group that infiltrated Uganda in November 2023 through Butunya-Ntoroko, carrying out attacks in Kamwenge. The arrest comes as part of the ongoing operations targeting ADF remnants, with most of Razak’s associates already eliminated.
ADF Recruit Rescued
In a separate incident, the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Teams (JATT) successfully recovered an 11-year-old ADF recruit, Kibumbo Munimbu, along Kibirizi village, Lake Katwe sub-county.
Kibumbo had escaped from the ADF in the DRC, where he had been taken by his grandfather, Muzungu Sulaid, along with three other children from Erapa Nabirimba village, Buyende district.
The parents of the victim are identified as Kibumba Muzamil and Nabirye Fatuma. Enganga said efforts are underway to trace the grandfather, who is suspected to be an ADF collaborator, as arrangements are made to reunite Kibumbo with his family.
However, amid the ongoing security challenges, Enanga urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to security teams.
“Joint Territorial teams are maintaining a heightened posture, conducting patrols, and increasing visibility along the western border to counter potential threats,” he said.
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