Suspected ADF rebels kill three in Kamwenge district

The Joint Security Agencies in Kamwenge District are currently investigating a heinous attack that was carried out by suspected members of the Alliance for Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel group, resulting in the loss of three lives.

Following these recent attacks, authorities have initiated the second phase of a recruitment campaign with the objective of enlisting more than 1,400 local defence personnel from six districts in Western Uganda.

This effort aims to address the prevailing security vulnerabilities in the region.

In the attack, a house was set ablaze, resulting in the deaths of three individuals.

The incident occurred in the Nyabitusi I Zone of Busingye Parish, Kamwenge Sub-County on December 25, 2023.

The victims have been identified as 72-year-old Adrine Nibgwabizi and two juveniles, Amon Niwalinda aged 5 and Mathias Byamukama aged 13.

Shockingly, the bodies of the victims were burned to ashes, making positive identification challenging.

However, two other individuals who were deemed suspicious managed to escape before the attack took place.

Preliminary information reveals that at approximately 10:00 pm, a group of four assailants, two of whom were armed with rifles, forcefully entered the targeted residence.

Once inside, they proceeded to set the house on fire, trapping the four occupants inside.

In addition to the heinous act, the assailants looted the property, stealing 10 goats and an undisclosed quantity of beans.

Prior to the arson, it has been alleged that the attackers targeted the cattle kraal belonging to Reverend Bwajojo George, attempting to steal all 50 heads of cattle.

Fortunately, the cattle were released unharmed the following morning.

The bodies of the deceased victims have been recovered from the scene and transported to Rukunyu Hospital, where a comprehensive postmortem examination will be conducted to assist in the ongoing investigation.

Vincent Twesige, the spokesperson for Rwenzori West Region, expressed the gravity of the situation

In response to the incident, a joint task force comprising the Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF), the police, and K-9 units has been assembled.

He said they are actively working to trace the escape routes of the assailants and are determined to bring them to account for their heinous actions.

As the investigation progresses, more details are expected to surface.

Twesige said the Joint Security Agencies will continue to provide updates to the public, ensuring transparency throughout the process.

The community is urged to remain vigilant and report any information that may assist in the swift resolution of this case.

"The law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly to apprehend those responsible for this horrendous crime,"he said.

The Kamwenge District community has been left in a state of shock and mourning following this tragic event.

The loss of innocent lives has sparked a sense of urgency among the security agencies, who are determined to restore peace and ensure the safety of the residents.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the authorities appeal to anyone with relevant information to come forward and assist in the apprehension of the perpetrators.