Counter-terror operations continue in Rwenzori

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In response to the ongoing successful pursuit against Allied Democratic Forces rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF), continuous vigilance and monitoring of the Western borderlines, particularly in the Rwenzori area, remain paramount. 

Police spokesperson Fred Enanga says: "Coordinated efforts between counter-terrorism task teams and territorial joint security teams are ongoing to mitigate potential threats.

While specific intelligence regarding new attacks along the Rwenzori axis with the DRC is currently unavailable, heightened attention is being paid to ADF activities in Bukuka Hills across the border and incidents of insecurity in Lhubirira, Kasindi, Goma DRC, reported on December 12, 2023, according to Enanga. He made the remarks on Monday, February 19, 2024, while addressing journalists at the Police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala.

“A call to the public for vigilance and prompt reporting of any suspicious activities to security teams has been issued. Joint territorial teams are maintaining a heightened posture with increased patrols and visibility to counter potential threats effectively“ Enanga said. 

Arrests

he said that recent operations conducted by the territorial Police in Rwenzori East and Mpondwe resulted in the arrest of Bahati Abdul Razak, a 28-year-old ADF rebel from Todoli in the DRC. 

Razak was identified as part of the group responsible for attacks in Kamwenge, Uganda, after infiltrating through Butunya-Ntoroko in November 2023. Most of his associates were neutralised in subsequent operations, while efforts to target the remaining remnants are ongoing, according to Enanga.

In a separate development, the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT) recovered an 11-year-old ADF recruit, Kibumbo Munimbu, near Kibirizi village, Lake Katwe sub-county. 

Munimbu had escaped from the ADF in the DRC, where he was taken by his grandfather, Muzungu Sulaid, along with three other children from Erapa Nabirimba village, Buyende district.

The Police spokesperson says efforts are underway to reunite Munimbu with his parents, Kibumba Muzamil and Nabirye Fatuma, while authorities continue to track down Sulaid, identified as an ADF rebel collaborator.