The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces have released a statement and confirmed the that attack that took place yesterday across the Rwenzori Region resulted into the death of a UPDF soldier and 5 attackers and one innocent civilian woman.
According to a Press Statement released by the UPDF Director of Defence and Public Information Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye, the attackers who identity is not yet established carried out coordinated on targeted Police and Military Deployments in Kasese, Bundibugyo and Fortpprtal by elements using pangas and machine guns.
Maj Gen Kulayigye condemned the attacks that took place at Malindi UPDF Detach in Bundibugyo, Kakuka Police Post in Kasese and Canon Apollo Teachers College in Fortpprtal, but commended the bravery of the forces who responded to the attackers with restraint.
The UPDF has since asked the General Public to remain calm, vigilant and cooperative with the security as investigations continue and asked them to report any suspicious activities they may find in their areas.
The UPDF statement comes after suspected attackers launched coordinated assaults on Uganda People’s Defence Forces and police installations across Kasese, Fort Portal, and Bundibugyo districts.
In Bundibugyo District, the Resident District Commissioner, Maj John Mugabirwe, confirmed that two UPDF detachments, Kakuka and Malindi, were targeted.
According to the RDC, UPDF soldiers successfully repelled the attackers at Kakuka Detachment, neutralizing five individuals dressed in plain clothes and armed with pangas.
Maj Mugabirwe clarified that none of the deceased were found with firearms, and he dismissed claims linking the attacks to the Allied Democratic Forces rebels and security forces are continuing to assess the situation at Malindi Detachment.
In Kasese District, assailants targeted the Kasese Police Barracks and Rughedabara Police Post and four suspects armed with pangas were shot dead by security forces, and several others were arrested.
In Fort Portal City, gunfire broke out at Canon Apollo Core Primary Teachers’ College where staff member, who wished to remain anonymous, described how unidentified individuals chased a jogger before soldiers engaged in an exchange of fire and two bodies were reportedly seen at the school gate following the incident.
Authorities have since intensified security operations in the affected areas and investigations are ongoing to determine the motives behind the attacks and to identify any additional suspects involved.
