2025 Rwenzori attack: Suspects' lawyer calls for speedy investigations

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The defence lawyer for over 20 of the 105 suspects implicated in the 2025 attacks on security installations in the Rwenzori region has urged the Government to expedite investigations into the charges against his clients.

The accused, who face serious allegations, including murder, terrorism, treason, and aggravated robbery, have been on remand in prisons, including Mubuku and Maluke, without trial, sparking concerns over delays in the judicial process.  

The prosecution alleges that on November 1, 2025, the suspects, armed with guns, pangas, arrows, machetes and catapults, launched coordinated attacks on security installations (military barracks, police posts) and educational institutions across the districts of Kasese, Bundibugyo, Kabarole, and Bunyangabu. These attacks reportedly resulted in the deaths of Police officers, soldiers and civilians.

However, lawyer Barnabas Tinkasiimire insists that many of his clients are innocent and are being unjustly detained.  

Speaking to New Vision Online on March 17, 2026, in Kasese municipality, Tinkasiimire expressed frustration over what he terms the slow pace of investigations and the prolonged absence of the suspects from court proceedings.

“Delaying to try them is an injustice,” he said.

Tinkasiimire warned that if the state fails to conclude investigations within six months, he will petition the High Court for the suspects to be granted constitutional mandatory bail or request the dismissal of charges.  

Time needed for thorough investigations

In response, Kasese chief magistrate George Mfitundinda acknowledged the complexity of the case, stating that the magnitude of the charges requires ample time for thorough investigation.

“As the State Attorney, I want to assure you that we are doing everything possible to end the investigations, at least within six months,” Mfitundinda said.  

Families cry foul  

Relatives of the accused have also voiced their grievances, including Beatrice Rukara, a 60-year-old resident of Nyahuka town council in Bundibugyo, who claims the arrest of her only son, Baluke Muhindo, who was the family’s breadwinner, has brought tough times to the family.   

Similarly, Nickson Muhindo, a 40-year-old resident of Kirembe Cell in Kasese municipality, defended his relatives, Rogers Bwambale and Jocknus Bwambale, insisting they are innocent. 

Background

Security agencies attributed the failed November 1, 2025, morning attack in the districts of Kasese, Bundibugyo and Kabarole to the Rwenzururu militants, known as ‘Kilhumira Mutima’.

Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) 2nd Infantry Division Spokesman Maj. Kiconco Tabaro confirmed the incident and said several of the attackers had been put out of action and some arrested.

“There has been a situation in Kasese, Bundibugyo, and Fort Portal this morning.  Militants of the Kilhumira Mutima group, which had been wiped out by Lt. Gen. (rtd) Peter Elwelu, had regrouped, and on Saturday at about 4:00 am, they attacked two detachments in Kasese, attempted to attack a school in Nyakasura in Fort Portal, and they attacked two military detachments in Bundibugyo with guns, assault rifles, machine guns and even rocket-propelled grenade (RPG),” Maj. Kiconco said.

He revealed that the militants found the troops very alert, and they were decisively repulsed.

“So many of them have been confirmed killed, but we are still trying to get hold of the numbers. But I can say several of the fighters of Kilhumira Mutima have been killed, dozens of others have been injured and captured, and others are at large. The operation is ongoing as we speak,” Maj. Kiconco said.

He said the militants have been engaged by the combined force of the UPDF and Uganda Police Force.