By Frank Kamuntu
Last evening, at about 6:40pm suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorists attacked and killed two tourists and the driver of the tourist vehicle, along the Katunguru – Mweya – Katwe road in Queen Elizabeth National Park. They also burnt the vehicle.
Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) Spokesperson, Brig.General Felix Kulayigye says ADF has intensified attacks in retaliation to being hit hard inside DR Congo by Ugandan forces.
”ADF has intensified attacks in retaliation to being hit hard inside DR Congo by our air component with a hope of diverting us from Operation Shuja. We shall instead increase the pressure on them in all ways in our continued bid to protect the people from their terrorist acts,” said Kulayigye in the statement released on Wednesday.
He says a joint force of UPDF, Uganda Police Force and Uganda Wildlife Authority is working together and has deployed all resources, both technical and physical in pursuit of these terrorists and will ensure they account for their heinous acts.
”We hereby assure the tourism industry that this was an isolated incident, otherwise Uganda is secure and safe and efforts are in place to ensure this safety is unperturbed,” says Kulayigye adding;
”The population is therefore requested to be vigilant and cooperate with our forces especially in areas along our frontiers with DR Congo.”
In the aftermath of the attack, security checkpoints have been established, and patrols initiated along the Kasese-Katwe road. In several areas of Kasese town, businesses have been advised to close early for added precaution.
Bashir Hangi, the spokesperson for the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), confirmed their collaboration with security agencies to determine the sequence of events leading up to the attack and to identify the perpetrators. He urged the public to remain patient and allow the investigative process to proceed.
Hangi emphasized that the parks remain accessible to tourists, and UWA will continue to work closely with security agencies to ensure visitors’ safety.
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