In a tragic incident early this morning, a school in Mpondwe Kasese district, Western Uganda, fell victim to an attack by suspected rebels identified as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). Reports indicate that the militants raided Rubiriha Secondary School, resulting in the loss of more than 25 young lives, severe injuries to 8 students, and the abduction of over 30 individuals.
This shocking assault marks one of the most devastating attacks on an educational institution in the area in over two decades, reminiscent of the horrific events that took place at Kichwamba Technical College on June 8th, 1998. During that attack, the ADF set fire to a hostel, claiming the lives of over 80 students and abducting more than 100 others.
This is not the first time the ADF has wreaked havoc in the region. Last year, the terrorist group targeted villages in Ntoroko district. In November 2021, suspected ADF militants detonated two bombs in Kampala, resulting in numerous casualties and injuries.
In response to these heinous acts, Uganda launched a joint military operation with the Congolese Army in late 2021, known as Operation Shuujaa, to combat the ADF’s presence in neighboring Congo.
The recent attack on Lhubirira Secondary School has plunged the community in Kasese district into mourning. Late last night, terrorists suspected to be ADF militants raided the privately owned school located approximately 2 kilometers from the Congo border. During the assault, a school hostel was set ablaze, claiming the lives of more than 25 students, while 8 others suffered critical injuries.
The grief-stricken atmosphere at Lhubirira Secondary School intensified as the police transported the deceased to Bwera Hospital mortuary, where the injured students are also receiving medical treatment.
Law enforcement agencies have swiftly responded to the incident, with the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) and the police launching a pursuit to rescue those abducted and apprehend the rebels. The operation is currently underway in the Virunga National Park, situated within the Democratic Republic of Congo.
As the nation mourns the loss of lives in this horrific attack, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. We also pray for the swift recovery of the injured students and the safe rescue of those who were abducted during this tragic incident.
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