In a press briefing at the Uganda Media Center on Monday, Col . Deo Akiiki, the Deputy Spokesperson for Uganda’s Defence, issued a grave warning regarding the infiltration of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) into the country.
According to Akiiki, elements of the ADF have managed to penetrate parts of Uganda, plotting retaliatory attacks in response to joint operations conducted by Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to dismantle their operations.
He stated that the retaliatory ADF planned attacks are prompted by collaborative efforts in the DRC between UPDF under Operation Shujja and the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC). These operations effectively flushed out ADF rebels from their hideouts in areas such as Irumu, Ambasa, and Komanda situated approximately 140 kilometers from the Ugandan border.
Akiiki revealed that despite successful operations last year which dismantled a group of 10 terrorists responsible for attacks in Kamwenge and Kasese districts, joint intelligence reports have uncovered new plots. It has been disclosed that another set of terrorists, allegedly under the command of notorious ADF rebel Ahmed Muhamud Hassan, also known as Abu Wakas, has entered the country with intentions to carry out revenge attacks.
The suspected terrorists, including Muhammed Isa, Amigo Kibirige alias Simba, Muhammed Lumisa, and Nassan Hamidu Biru, are believed to be coordinating to execute terror activities within Uganda.
“Joint Intelligence forces have now discovered that two days ago, another group has infiltrated the country with the same revenge intentions. This group is said to be under the command of the Ahmed Muhamud Hassan a Tanzanian bomb ADF expert, they have planned to do acts of terrorism in the area.” he says
Akiiki emphasized that security agencies are on high alert and are collaborating to ensure the safety and security of the nation.
“It is suicidal for these terrorists to continue making terrorism adventures and UPDF, sister security agencies and shall do all possible to dismantle this group too”
He recounted the previous infiltration incident in October 2023 when 10 suspected ADF rebels, led by Kamusu and Njovu, launched attacks in Kasese, targeting a school and killing two tourists near Queen Elizabeth National Park. A lorry carrying merchandise was also set ablaze during the rampage. While Kamusu was killed in the operation, Njovu was captured, leading to the dispersal of the group into the jungles of the DRC.
Akiiki attributed the recent surge in ADF activities to joint military operations in the DRC conducted by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) under Operation Shujaa and the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC). These operations disrupted ADF hideouts in areas bordering Uganda, prompting retaliatory attacks on civilians in various regions.
He further states that with ongoing discussions between the presidents of Uganda and the DRC, proposals are being considered to deploy Local Defence Units (LDUs) in the DRC to bolster security efforts in combating insurgent groups like the ADF.
Akiiki stressed that the ADF still harbors intentions of carrying out attacks in urban areas of Uganda, including targeting places of worship and schools. He urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or packages to authorities promptly.
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