1 Dead, 1 Injured in Kasese ADF Armed Attack

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Summary:

• Ngoko Village in Kasese District was terrorized by five gunmen, resulting in the death of Betty Biira, serious injuries to her 14-year-old nephew, and a heightened concern for the community’s safety.

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Kasese District | THE BLACK EXAMINER | Suspected members of a militant group, believed to be linked to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), carried out a deadly attack on Tuesday night in Kasese District. During the assault in Ngoko Village (Kisinga Sub-county), 47-year-old Betty Biira lost her life, and a man was reportedly abducted, while a child, Harrison Masereka, suffered severe injuries.

Rwenzori East Regional Police spokesperson SP Luka Mbusa provided details, stating, “We received a report of a suspected ADF rebel attack in the areas of Ngoko Village, where 47-year-old Betty Biira was killed, and her 14-year-old nephew Harrison Masereka was injured.”

Masereka, recovering in the hospital, recounted the harrowing experience, noting that five armed individuals dressed in all-black attacked the family around 9 pm. He explained, “Two people came knocking on the house, and once they forced their way in, I saw three more people. They asked for food, but we had none. So, my aunt offered to harvest some rice for them. Instead, they attacked her, and then they turned to me, asking for directions to the army detach. When I said I didn’t know, they attacked me with an axe, causing three serious cuts on my head.”

The Ngoko Village chairperson, Joseph Kato, reported that Aston Agaba, around 50 years old, was abducted, while locals James Thembo and Julius Byaruhanga narrowly escaped the attackers. Byaruhanga, according to Kato, was given the option to be taken or throw himself into a river, choosing the latter, and he managed to escape when the rebels released him.

The authorities found Betty Biira with multiple cuts on her body, and investigations revealed that the assailants looted maize and other food items from village plantations.

SP Mbusa addressed rumors of an abduction, stating, “There are rumors within the community that one person has been abducted. We can’t confirm that now, but it is one of those things we are investigating.”

Yofesi Katenene, Kitswamba Sub-county chairperson, noted that the incident occurred a week after a security meeting between the government and Ngoko Village residents. During the meeting, locals were informed that Kibale National Park might be harboring dangerous elements. Katenene suspected that the attackers entered from the park side adjacent to Karusandara Sub-county, reaching Ngoko Village, and then re-entered the park through the areas of Ibuga and Bigando. The location where the woman was killed is approximately one kilometer from Kibale National Park, which borders Kasese District in the southwest.