___________

Police in Rwenzori region say they are investigating a Tuesday evening attack by Unknown gunmen suspected to be Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels on a Kasese district village.

The attack on Ngoko village in Kitswamba sub-county claimed the life of Betty Biira and injured her nephew, Harrison Masereka, 14, who fled to Ngoko trading centre.

SP Luka Mbusa, the acting Rwenzori east Police region spokesperson, confirmed the development on Thursday. 

He added that as security, they are investigating the matter to come up with a comprehensive report for the necessary further action.

Masereka, who is nursing three deep wounds on his head from Mt St Mary’s Hospital in Kasese town said they were attacked by five people wielding guns, pangas and an axe.

Speaking to New Vision Online from his hospital bed, he said the assailants demanded for food from his aunt before they cut her on the head with a panga several times. They later hacked using the same panga.

LC1 chairperson Joseph Kato said the assailants also abducted Aston Agaba, while James Thembo and Julius Byaruhanga escaped from the jaws of abduction when they ran away from the suspected rebels.

Zimonia Mumbere Buseku, a rice farmer in the area appealed to the security organs to provide enough security to the farmers.

Katenene speaks out

Yofesi Katenene, the Kitswamba sub-county chairperson said that the incident happened just a week after Resident District Commissioner, Lt. Joe Walusimbi, chaired a security meeting at Ngoko trading centre and told the residents about suspected insurgents hiding within Kibale National Park and called for vigilance.

He also revealed that in the same security meeting Lt. Joe Walusimbi urged residents to always go to their gardens at around 8am in the morning but also leave earlier by 5pm and completely told them to desist from sleep in the small gardens they make in their gardens.

Katenene, who appealed to the residents to remain calm as the UPDF pursues the suspected rebels, also appealed to government to improve the road network within the areas of Ngoko and Bigando which are adjacent to the National Park.

"Like now we are in the rainy season, you find it hard to use even when you are using a motor cycle." He said.