Kasese Tourists Attack: ADF Chief Remanded Again

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Summary:

• Abdul Rashid Kyoto, a 31-year-old suspected commander of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), has been further remanded to Luzira on charges of murder and terrorism related to the Queen Elizabeth National Park tourist attack, where he and accomplices are accused of causing the death of a honeymoon couple and their Ugandan tour guide, as well as committing property damage and robbery; the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s court granted the extension, citing ongoing investigations.

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A 31-year-old suspected commander of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) militant group faced further remand to Luzira on Monday morning, charged with murder and terrorism. The Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s court extended the remand of Abdul Rashid Kyoto, also known as Njovu alias Tembo, until December 19, citing ongoing investigations. Chief Magistrate Elias Kakooza granted the adjournment at the request of prosecution led by Mariam Kuluthum.

The prosecution argued that police inquiries in the case were incomplete and requested time for the investigations to conclude before committing the suspect to the High Court for trial.

The charges stem from allegations that on October 17 in Queen Elizabeth National Park in Kasese District, Kyoto and accomplices, with the intent of influencing the government or intimidating the public for political, religious, social, economic purposes, engaged in acts of violence leading to the death of honeymoon couple David Barlow James and Geyer Emmarentia Cecilia, along with their Ugandan tour guide Eric Alyai.

The state contends that between October 13-17 at various locations, including Rusese-Katwe and Nyamunuka on Katunguru-Katwe-Kabatoro, Kyoto and others caused property damage by burning a cargo truck and a tourist car. Additionally, the group is accused of robbing passports, money, bank cards, and other belongings, using firearms to kill Barlow.

The charge sheet indicates that from 2018 to November 1, 2023, at various locations in Uganda and the neighboring DR Congo, Kyoto served as a commander in the ADF, a designated terrorist organization.