Bushenyi District in Uganda is on high alert after leaflets believed to be from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels were found in Kyamuhanga Sub County on Monday night. The leaflets threaten four schools in the area: Kyamuhunga Secondary School, Kyamuhunga Central Primary School, and Kabingo Model Primary School.
The ADF is a Ugandan Islamist rebel group that has been active in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since the early 1990s. The group has been accused of numerous atrocities, including massacres, kidnappings, and beheadings. In recent years, the ADF has also carried out attacks in Uganda, including the 2018 twin bombings in Kampala that killed four people and injured dozens more.
The leaflets found in Kyamuhanga Sub County warn that the ADF will attack the four schools if they do not close within two weeks. The leaflets also threaten to kill any teachers or students who remain at the schools after the deadline.
The discovery of the leaflets has caused widespread panic in Kyamuhanga Sub County. Many parents have refused to send their children to school for fear of their safety. The schools have also been closed until further notice.
The Bushenyi District Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Robert Atuhairwe has announced that immediate action is being taken to address the threat. Atuhairwe has stated that meetings will be held with Local Council (LC) chairpersons to discuss security measures and coordination with authorities in the neighboring Rubirizi District has been increased.
Atuhairwe has also called on residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. He has also emphasized the importance of community vigilance in maintaining peace and security in the region.