UPDF Eliminates Top ADF Rebel Leader Responsible for Deadly Attacks in Kamwenge

The Uganda People’s Defence Force announced the successful elimination of a key cell leader of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), responsible for the recent deadly attacks in the Kamwenge district. Colonel Deo Akiiki, the Deputy UPDF spokesperson, identified the deceased leader as Musa Kamusi in a statement recorded on Wednesday.

“Our troops, engaged in tracking down ADF elements in Kibale National Park, successfully neutralized one of the ADF leaders who had been instilling fear among civilians in Kamwenge,” stated Akiiki.

He further disclosed, “The deceased was found in possession of one PK gun, and our forces recovered one AK-47 gun along with several rounds of ammunition.”

This development followed a recent ADF rebel attack in Kamwenge, where three civilians, including two children, lost their lives. The previous week witnessed another assault by the same rebels, resulting in the tragic deaths of ten individuals within the district.

In response to the escalating threat, the military has initiated the recruitment process for Local Defence Units personnel to enhance security in the region. Akiiki emphasized, “Our forces persist in the pursuit of ADF rebels responsible for the loss of lives in Kamwenge, aiming to eradicate their presence and restore peace for the local population.”

Originating as Ugandan rebels with a predominantly Muslim composition, the ADF (Allied Democratic Forces) have operated since the mid-1990s in the eastern DR Congo, causing the deaths of thousands of civilians. In 2019, they formally aligned with the Islamic State group, which now claims certain actions of the ADF and designates them as its “Central African Province” affiliate.