Museveni Reactivates LDU Over Rising Terror Attacks in the West

Summary:

• President Museveni condemned the ADF attack in western Uganda, deploying additional troops to counter terrorist activity, reactivating local defense units, and announcing aerial bombardments in the DR Congo, while also directing financial aid to families affected by the Kamwenge massacre.

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President Museveni strongly denounced the Tuesday attack by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) on a small village in Kamwenge District, western Uganda, referring to the assailants as “criminals who will face consequences.” In response to the tragic incident that claimed the lives of 10 individuals, he declared the deployment of auxiliary support troops in the Rwenzori Sub-region to counter the escalating terrorist activities of the ADF in the area.

Expressing concern over the recurrent atrocities perpetrated by infiltrators from Congo, President Museveni issued a press statement, stating, “On account of these repeated crimes, I have instructed the UPDF to revive the Local Defence Units (LDUs) in the areas surrounding Queen Elizabeth National Parks, Kibaale Forest, the forests in Kyenjojo and Kagadi, Semuliki National Park, and Bwindi National Park.”

Highlighting the need to confront terrorists targeting unarmed civilians, he emphasized the reactivation of a proven strategy: “transforming vulnerable village areas into fortified local defense points.” Assuring ample manpower for the task at hand, the President emphasized the allocation of additional resources to support the manpower.

In response to a series of ADF attacks in Kasese District, particularly the tragic incident at Mpondwe-Lhubiriha Secondary School in June, President Museveni attributed these actions to the militants’ desperation, attempting to divert attention amid pressure from the UPDF in Congo.

Updating the public on ongoing counterinsurgency operations against ADF elements in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), President Museveni announced further aerial bombardments on targets along the border.

Furthermore, he directed the State House Comptroller (SHC) to provide financial assistance to the families affected by the Kamwenge massacre, acknowledging the need for support in the aftermath of this tragic event.