The unnamed Briton was one of three people targeted by militants (Image: Sax Rohmer LTD)
By Smartencycopedia with agencies
Security forces are in pursuit of suspected ADF rebels believed to be responsible for a devastating attack in Queen Elizabeth National Park, which tragically resulted in the deaths of two foreign tourists and a Ugandan national. Police spokesperson Fred Enanga has confirmed the incident, highlighting that the suspected rebels subsequently set fire to a land cruiser belonging to Wild Gorilla Safaris, bearing registration number UBF 303C.
“We have recorded a cowardly terrorist attack on two foreign tourists and a Ugandan in Queen Elizabeth National Park. The three victims lost their lives, and their safari vehicle was set ablaze. Our joint forces promptly responded upon receiving this distressing information and are actively pursuing the suspected ADF rebels,” stated Enanga.
The attack unfolded near Lake Nyamunanuka along Katwe Road in Kasese district, leaving individuals from the United Kingdom, South Africa, and a Ugandan guide among the casualties.
This incident follows closely on the heels of another attack in which suspected rebels ambushed a truck, resulting in the deaths of two of its occupants. The assailants also set fire to a box body truck with registration number UBN 624L in Katholhu village, situated along the Kasese-Mpondwe border highway. Notably, this incident occurred less than a kilometer away from Rusese barracks on Friday morning.
The situation has raised concerns about the safety of visitors and local residents in the region, prompting heightened security measures and a dedicated effort to bring those responsible to justice. Queen Elizabeth National Park, renowned for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, has been a popular destination for tourists from around the world. These unfortunate events emphasize the critical need for enhanced security in and around this beloved national park to safeguard the lives of those who visit and the local community.
Who are Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels in Uganda
The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) are a rebel group that has been operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda since the early 1990s. The ADF is led by Jamil Mukulu, a Ugandan who claimed to have founded the group in 1995. The ADF’s stated goal is to overthrow the Ugandan government and establish an Islamic state.
The ADF has been accused of numerous human rights abuses, including massacres, rape, and child recruitment. In recent years, the ADF has also been linked to the Islamic State group. In 2017, the United States designated the ADF as a foreign terrorist organization.
The ADF is estimated to have between 600 and 1,200 fighters. The group is based in the eastern DRC, but it has carried out attacks in Uganda and other neighboring countries.
The Ugandan government has been trying to defeat the ADF for decades, but the group has been able to survive by hiding in the dense forests of the eastern DRC. In recent years, the Ugandan government has launched several joint operations with the DRC government to target the ADF, but these operations have had limited success.
The ADF is a serious threat to security in the eastern DRC and Uganda. The group’s attacks have caused widespread displacement and suffering. The international community must do more to support the efforts of the Ugandan and DRC governments to defeat the ADF and bring its leaders to justice.