Joint Security Forces Foil Attempted Recruitment of ADF Militants

In West Nile, two suspected ADF recruits were apprehended while attempting to cross from Uganda into the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)  on April 8th, 2024, at the Lia Immigration Customs Point in Arua.

The two suspects, Kwesa Isma, 19 years old, from Mawero East Division in Busia district, and Abdallah Sharif, 23 years old, from Sofia “A” Cell in Busia Municipality, had been watched because they were part of a group recruiting in Busia. They had disappeared from their homes for a long time and were being influenced to join the ADF.

Fred Enanga, the police spokesperson says the suspects were subjected to further profiling to ascertain their involvement in militant activities and connections to the ADF. It was revealed that they intended to join ADF affiliates in the Eastern DRC for training and potentially engage in hostile actions against Uganda.

Enanga says security forces take this very seriously and will keep working to stop people who want to cause harm from crossing borders. He has called on the public to be careful and report anything suspicious to the police.

This incident comes after on Saturday, security forces issued a statement and heightened its alert level following intelligence from the regional counter-terrorism center indicating increased Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) activities within the country.

The statement released by the UPDF revealed that the ADF, facing pressure in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is reportedly sending fighters armed with explosives to carry out assassinations and attacks on places of worship, bars, markets, and other public areas.

Security urged the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious individuals or activities. They emphasize thorough checks at public places and assure readiness to respond to any threats.

Joint operations against the ADF in the DRC, have resulted in the capture or elimination of key ADF figures and the destruction of their camps.