The government connects Busia school fires and Boda Boda riders’ killings to the ADF
Recent incidents in Busia District have raised concerns, linking them to the Allied Democratic Force (ADF) rebels. These incidents include fires at schools, killings of Boda Boda riders, and the murder of a businessman. The state minister for regional cooperation, Mr. John Mulimba, chaired a meeting where these connections were discussed.
Mr. Mulimba stated that the attacks on schools, Boda Boda riders, and recent robberies might be orchestrated by the ADF. He highlighted a series of events since January, including the killings of Boda Boda riders and the burning of school dormitories. However, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) spokesperson declined to comment on the matter when contacted.
Several schools in Busia District have been affected by fires in recent weeks. The most recent incident occurred at Sibirisye Primary School, where a dormitory was gutted, though fortunately, no casualties were reported. This fire followed similar incidents at Victory Nursery and Primary School and Billy and Polly Primary School.
Eyewitnesses reported smelling petrol before the fires erupted in the dormitories. Additionally, there have been cases of violence targeting individuals, such as the shooting of Rashid Kizza, a mobile money and banking agent, and the attack on Bonex Taabu, a Boda Boda rider.
Mr. Wafula Ogumbo, a former Busia District council speaker, emphasized the seriousness of these attacks, suggesting they indicate organized crime and potential rebel activities. He noted that districts in the region had previously been targeted by the ADF for recruitment.
Efforts to address the situation include heightened security measures and investigations into the incidents. The police have arrested suspects allegedly involved in the murders and recovered weapons. Additionally, local leaders have called for increased cooperation between security forces and the public to combat insecurity.
In response to these challenges, measures such as resident registration, restrictions on movement at night, and the impounding of unregistered motorcycles have been proposed. These actions aim to enhance security and prevent further incidents in the region.
