Police in Uganda have confirmed the arrest of a suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) remnant who had escaped from the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and was residing in Uganda. The suspect, identified as Abdurazak Bahati, was apprehended last week by Police in Rwenzori East and Mpondwe, located in Kasese District.
According to Police spokesperson Fred Enanga, the 28-year-old ADF rebel had entered Uganda after sneaking from Twodoli in the DRC. It is believed that Bahati was part of a group that entered Uganda in November 2023 through Ntoroko District, although most of his colleagues were eliminated.
Enanga emphasized that despite the successful pursuit of ADF rebels by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in Eastern DR Congo, counter-terror task teams remain vigilant and continue to monitor the western borderlines for potential threats in the Rwenzori area. Although there is no specific intelligence indicating new attacks along the Rwenzori axis with DR Congo, active ADF activities on the other side of the border are being monitored.
The police reiterated calls for mass vigilance in the fight against rebel groups and terrorism. Joint territorial teams have been maintaining a heightened posture with patrols and increased visibility along the Rwenzori area to counter any potential threats.
In November 2023, the UPDF captured the head of an ADF group responsible for the murder of two foreign tourists and their local guide in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The suspect, identified as Abdul Rashid Kyoto alias Njovu, was remanded to Luzira on charges of murder and terrorism.
