Kasese leaders appeal for calm as attack death toll, arrests rise

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Rwenzori region-based Kasese district leaders have called for calm from residents following the November 1, 2025, attacks that have left 19 individuals dead.  

Kasese district LC5 vice-chairperson Jerevazio Monday said most of the suspects in the attacks were youth. He has, therefore, discouraged the youth to desist from being used by wrong elements who intend to execute their evil missions

Instead, he has urged them to embrace government poverty-alleviation programmes, including the Parish Development Model (PDM) to earn their own money. He urged them to go for skilling as a quick way to start up their own initiatives that will improve their livelihood.

Kasese district chairperson Eliphaz Muhindi Bukombi, who condemned the act, commended the local population for being vigilant and working together with security.

ICT and national guidance state minister Godfrey Baluku Kabbyanga appealed to the community to remain calm and report any suspicious characters to the relevant authorities. 

"As the Government, we have beefed up security in all the corners of the district and we shall not allow anyone to disrupt our peace," Kabbyanga said.

The attack

A quiet Saturday morning turned into terror in Rwenzori (Kasese, Fort Portal city and Bundibugyo district) as armed groups simultaneously launched co-ordinated attacks on police stations, Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) detachments and civilian areas, leaving over 24 people dead, several injured and others arrested.

Information reaching New Vision Online also indicates that the number of those arrested over the related incident is now 40.

Rwenzori east deputy Police region commander Alex Muhumuza made the revelation on November 2, during a leaders’ meeting at Hima town council headquarters in Kasese district.

Muhumuza said most of the culprits in the attack hail from Busongora County North constituency.

"Joint forces were formed and we mounted operations to make sure that the wrong elements are put to book." Muhumuza said.

He also acknowledged that the attackers were found with rudimentary tools, including pangas, Knives, catapults and a lot of herbal medicine. Muhumuza appealed to the general population, especially the youth to desist from being recruited into the wrong groups.

"Imagine someone thinking that herbal medicine will prevent gunshots from harming them! Don't allow yourself to be deceived anymore," he said.

Fort Portal

Authorities in Fort Portal city are also investigating attacks in Nyakasura village, Canon Apollo and Ibonde 2, where up to 50 attackers armed with pangas, arrows, guns, spears and butida (catapults) stormed communities before dawn. 

According to residents, the gunmen confronted police and UPDF, who had been alerted earlier. The confrontation was brief, but deadly. Six attackers were killed and one other was lynched by residents.