Former ADF commander found with explosives

By Charles Kakamwa   

One of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) leaders arrested in Tanzania over atrocities committed by the rebel group, had tonnes of explosives he had planned to smuggle into Uganda.

Inspector General of Police Gen. Kale Kayihura on Friday revealed that upon arrest in March this year, Muhammed Matovu's residence in Tanzania was searched by security operatives.

"We have information that tonnes of explosives were discovered at his home, ready to be brought to Uganda," Kayihura said, while addressing journalists at Nalufenya Police Post in Jinja where the suspects are detained.

Kayihura, however, did not disclose the types of explosives Matovu was found with.

Matovu, alias Mark Ssebaduka was extradited to Uganda last week together with Umar Abdalla Mutuka, both associates of Jamil Mukulu the former rebel leader of the ADF.

Like Mukulu, the two face charges of murder, terrorism and crimes against humanity, Kayihura said.

Kayihura described Matovu, who he said had been arrested four times over ADF rebel activities, as 'too close to Mukulu and high in the hierarchy of the ADF command.'

He was part of a group of Muslims that attacked the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) headquarters in 1991, led by Mukulu. He was arrested and taken to Luzira Prisons, but jumped bail.

In 2005, he was arrested enroute to Kasese district together with other ADF rebels.

In 2012, he was found in Nairobi, Kenya helping shift Mukulu's household property together with one of Mukulu's wives, Kayihura said.

"In 2014, he coordinated ADF recruitment with Adam Din, a terrorist suspect now in prison. In March this year, he was arrested in Tanzania trying to process travel documents for Mukulu," the IGP said.

Matovu, 45, was born in Najjanankumbi on the Kampala-Entebbe highway to Sulaiman Bukenya and Afua Namirembe, Kayihura disclosed.

The other suspect Umar Abdalla Mutuka was born in Namawojjolo on the Kampala-Jinja highway.

According to Kayihura, Mutuka has been acting as a 'courier' of ADF finances from Tanzania to Uganda.

When produced before journalists, they both had injuries, but appeared calm.

Matovu who wore a green T-shirt and black sports trousers had a bandage on his right leg, while Mutuka clad in a pair of blue jean trousers and long sleeved striped T-shirt had a red left eye.

"We got them with the injuries, they were not inflicted on them by the Police, but we shall offer treatment," Kayihura said.
Matovu was reportedly bitten by a spider, while Mutuka was knocked by an epileptic inmate while in detention, Kayihura explained.