Kampala, Uganda | NOW THEN DIGITAL — Uganda’s military has issued a public alert following intelligence reports indicating the infiltration of Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) fighters from the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). According to Deo Akiiki, Uganda’s deputy military spokesperson, the rebels entered the country two days prior. Akiiki highlighted that the group is reportedly under the command of Ahamed Muhamood Hasssan, also known as Abu Waqas, a bomb expert of Tanzanian origin.
Speaking in Kampala, Akiiki urged the public to remain vigilant, emphasizing the ADF’s continued intent to deploy terror cells within Uganda, particularly in urban centers, places of worship, schools, and public gatherings. He assured that security forces have heightened readiness to safeguard citizens from potential attacks, with the military on high alert.
The ADF has been implicated in various acts of violence, including the killing of two tourists in a western Ugandan national park and the massacre of approximately 40 individuals, predominantly students, in the past year, as per reports from the Ugandan military.
In response to the ADF threat, Uganda and Congolese troops initiated “Operation Shujaa” in November 2021, aiming to eradicate the ADF following twin bombings in Kampala that resulted in six fatalities and 33 injuries.
Happening now: Col Deo Akiiki, Deputy Defence Spokesperson, giving a press briefing on the infiltration of elements of the Allied Democratic Forces into the country. pic.twitter.com/bcBm1XUCMC
— Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (@MODVA_UPDF) March 18, 2024
