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Uganda’s security agencies are mobilizing a large, unified combat force to address the security challenge posed by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorist organization in the Rwenzori region. Increased patrols and security operations are being conducted along the border districts with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Recent incidents of violence by suspected ADF militants have prompted heightened security measures.

Uganda’s security agencies are putting up one of the largest unified combat formations in history to counter the complex security challenge posed by the terrorist organization Allied Democratic formations (ADF) in the Rwenzori region.

The battle-tested attack groups are set up in several Ugandan districts that border the precarious eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

In a statement on Monday 10^th July, the police stated, “As the Joint Security Agencies, we continue to conduct intensified patrols, especially along ungazetted entry points in the Districts of Ntoroko and Bundibugyo, Kasese, Kibaale, and Kabarole.”

The UPDF has increased troop deployments inside the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo to look for ADF relics, “but has also deployed heavy artillery, special forces, reconnaissance equipment, unmanned aerial vehicles, and other weapons in preparation for a possible ADF attack on Ugandan territory.”

44 persons were recently slain in an incident in Kasese District by suspected ADF militants.

The Rwenzori region, which is home to some of Uganda’s most popular tourist destinations, has since been the scene of suspicious person movements, according to the police.

“We are daring them to attempt an attack on Uganda,” said a senior UPDF commander who preferred anonymity to speak freely, emphasizing, “It will be the end of the ADF.”

According to the police, the decision to step up security operations in the Rwenzori region came after suspicious individuals were apprehended nearby. In Kisege village, Kamugutu sub-county, Ntoroko District, for instance, a joint security cordon and search operation resulted in the arrest of 34 suspected criminals.

“The suspects are not known by local leaders and did not have any substantive identification documents,” said police.

In a separate occurrence, on June 28, 2023, suspicious-appearing strangers were seen in Nyabweya and Muhwezi village, Burambira parish, Kabarole District.

Military actions against ADF militants are being carried out in eastern DRC by Ugandan and Congolese forces. Near the Ugandan border, the ADF had built up camps and networks that terrorized the locals.

Recently, the UK government issued a warning that terrorist attacks in Uganda were conceivable.

ADF commander Lubangakene killed.

The assassination of a senior ADF rebel commander in Eastern DRC contributed to the escalation of tensions in the Rwenzori region.

“On July 10, 2023, the UPDF, under its operation Shuja and in coordination with the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC), killed one of the most notorious ADF commanders, identified as Lubangakene, with three of his fighters during a counter-terrorism operation in Mwalika Valley in North Kivu Province, Eastern DRC,” said Police.

One of the weapons found was a PMK machine gun amongst other several guns. Because of the numerous crimes against innocent civilians, including children, he committed in the DRC and Uganda, the ADF leader is reportedly one of the most wanted ADF terrorists.

The ADF’s remnants are still terrorizing towns in the Eastern DRC and along the Western Ugandan border, killing people, maiming people, and committing other atrocities, according to authorities. Officials stated that the ADF could attempt to strike Uganda in order to exact revenge for the death of Lubangakene.

A threatening letter supposedly written and signed by an ADF commander is also being looked into by security officials. The letter, written in Kiswahili, states that the ADF has plans to assault the Kiamara Primary School, Tamteco Tea Factory, and Mpanga Tea Factory.

Such “terror letters” carry an implied threat and can frighten communities, according to Police. “We want to reassure the relevant populations of our Joint Security Teams’ visibility and presence. And for them to be aware that a threat made in secret could come from local xenophobes.

Residents of the Busoro sub-county can view a sample of the anonymous letter that the police uploaded online.

“If there is anyone who recognizes the writing style, we ask them to inform the nearest Police or Security Agency. All managers of Tea factories around Busoro sub-county, school administrators, and the community have been mobilized to remain vigilant. We ask that you reach out to the nearest security agency if you see something suspicious or threatening.”