The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) commander Rashid Abdul Kyoto, charged with the murder of tourists in Queen Elizabeth National Park, has been remanded to Luzira Prison until January 28, 2024.
A Briton national, David James Barlow, his South African wife Celia Emmarentia Geyer, and guide Eric Alyai were killed in an attack on October 17, 2023, during a safari.
Kyoto faces charges of murder, terrorism, and aggravated robbery. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.
Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Samali Wakooli informed the court that investigations into the matter were incomplete, requesting an adjournment to allow the police to conclude their inquiries.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | October 17, 2023 |
| Accused Identity | Rashid Abdul Kyoto (aka Njovu aka Tembo), 31 |
| Residence | Domain Camp, Mwalika, DRC |
| Charges | Murder, terrorism, aggravated robbery |
| Remand Date | Until January 28, 2024 |
Prosecution alleges that during the attack, two vehicles were burnt, and tourists’ belongings were stolen by Kyoto and his associates. The passports, money, and visa cards of the victims, as well as identity cards and employment cards of the Ugandan guide, were taken.
| Charges Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Terrorism Charges | Kyoto and others, on October 17, 2023, carried out violent acts in Queen Elizabeth National Park. |
| Arson Charges | Between October 13 and October 17, 2023, two motor vehicles were burnt within the park. |
| Murder and Robbery Charges | Kyoto and associates unlawfully caused the death of the victims and robbed them at gunpoint. |
Kyoto was arrested by the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) Marine Forces on Lake Edward. Two associates were shot dead, and others escaped in a boat. Kyoto, injured in a previous gun battle, was found with belongings of the murdered tourists.
| Arrest and Operation | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrest Date | After the tourists’ murder |
| Operation | Conducted by UPDF Marine Forces on Lake Edward |
| Associates | Two shot dead, others escaped with weapons |
| Kyoto’s Condition | Injured in the back during a prior gun battle |
The Islamic State (IS) group claimed responsibility for the attack, stating they killed “three Christian tourists.” President Yoweri Museveni called for the eradication of ADF, leading to military air strikes in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
| Aftermath and Response | Details |
|---|---|
| IS Group Claim | Acknowledged responsibility for the attack |
| President’s Response | Called for the eradication of ADF |
| Military Response | Conducted air strikes against ADF in the DRC |
