The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have initiated regular nighttime patrols on the major roads and highways of Kasese district. This measure is intended to prevent potential attacks on vehicles transporting passengers and goods by suspected members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel group.
Information state minister Godfrey Kabbyanga revealed this development during a media briefing at the Shilo Hotel in Kasese municipality on Monday. The decision to launch these patrols follows a recent ADF rebel attack on a trailer transporting onions, which occurred on the Kikorongo-Mpondwe road shortly after midnight.
The attack took place in Katolhu village of Nyakiyumbu sub-county, Kasese district, resulting in the complete destruction of the trailer, the deaths of two occupants, and a woman who suffered severe burns, along with two others who sustained injuries and were admitted to Bwera General Hospital.
Kabbyanga assured the public that the army is now vigilant and actively patrolling the road, allowing travelers to use it without fear. He emphasized that the recent ADF ambush on the trailer was an isolated incident and did not warrant the imposition of a curfew.
Kabbyanga urged the general population to report any suspicions of households harboring ADF operatives to the army discreetly. He added that there might be collaborators, and the security forces are actively following leads to address the problem at its source.
Kasese Resident District Commissioner Lt. Joe Walusimbi, responsible for security in the district, commended the community for remaining watchful and encouraged them to provide timely information, particularly about families that may be hiding ADF members in their homes.
Survivor Clair Biira, 40, who was present during the recent attack, recounted the incident. She explained that their vehicle came to a halt after the tires were shot. The attackers killed the driver, removed the other passengers from the vehicle, and set it on fire before realizing she was hiding silently behind the driver’s seat.