UPDF’s Successful Strike Eliminates ADF Commander Meddie Nkalubo
The successful UPDF airstrike that eliminated ADF Commander Meddie Nkalubo, a significant blow to the ADF’s operations in Uganda and the DR Congo security forces continue to target ADF sleeper cells, demonstrating their commitment to eradicating the group.
Security forces have heralded a significant achievement with the successful elimination of Meddie Nkalubo, a prominent ADF commander, through precision airstrikes carried out by the UPDF within the Democratic Republic of Congo.
On Saturday 23rd September 2023, President Museveni formally announced Nkalubo’s demise, referring to him by his aliases, namely, “The Punisher,” Mohammed Ali Nkalubo, Abul Jihad, and Punny Boy. These airstrikes were specifically executed to target new ADF hideouts in the DRC.
Addressing the media on Monday 25th September 2023, Fred Enanga, the joint spokesperson for security forces, emphasized the profound importance of this development in the ongoing efforts to entirely dismantle the ADF group.
“Nkalubo held a pivotal role in the planning and orchestration of ADF attacks,” Enanga stated. “His demise represents a significant setback for the ADF, severely hampering its operational capabilities in both the DRC and Uganda.”
Notably, Nkalubo had been identified by the European Union and the United States government as a senior ADF commander, deeply involved in planning, coordinating, and executing attacks on civilians in both Uganda and the DRC. Consequently, the European Union had imposed sanctions against him.
The Ugandan fugitive, believed to hold the second-in-command position within the ADF, was also implicated in orchestrating the bombings that rocked Kampala in 2021, targeting the Central Police Station and Parliamentary Avenue, resulting in numerous casualties.
Security authorities have linked various incidents, including the explosion at Digida pork joint in Kyanja, a bomb incident on a bus along the Kampala-Masaka highway, and the recent discovery of explosives in Kampala, to Nkalubo’s group.
In his statement on Monday, the joint security spokesperson commended the UPDF for its precise airstrikes, which successfully neutralized the ADF hideout, leading to the elimination of the group’s top commander and several of his associates.
Operations are set to continue as security forces target ADF sleeper cells within the country. Recently, the Crime Intelligence Directorate apprehended three suspected ADF members connected to attacks on police stations the previous year. These individuals had fled to Mbale and Bukedea following the death of their leader in Mityana, subsequently establishing a cell in Mbale.
“In Kyankwanzi, the Joint Anti-terrorism Task Force apprehended two high-profile ADF operatives in Kyenda trading centre, Kyankwanzi district. They had acquired a 1.5-acre piece of land after escaping from Lwengo,” Enanga disclosed.
The joint security agencies remain committed to monitoring areas where ADF remnants may be concealed to ensure their apprehension and subsequent legal proceedings.
