In the early hours of December 19, an unfortunate incident unfolded in Kyabandara Parish, Kamwenge District. Around 2:00 a.m., attackers believed to be associated with the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) targeted the area.

Reports from the police confirm that at least 10 civilians lost their lives during the assault, and local shops were looted before the assailants escaped towards the forest. As of now, there is no claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Resident District Commissioner for Kamwenge, speaking with the Uganda Today, provided details on the victims. The casualties included five men and five women, all civilians. The attackers struck at 1:00 a.m., according to the commissioner, and the security committee chairperson added that security forces are actively pursuing the assailants within the confines of the nearby forest. While the exact number of injuries remains unclear, several people were reported to have been harmed during the incident.

Recent military updates indicated that two ADF rebels met their demise, and a commander sustained injuries in Kibaale Forest. The forest, which extends into Kamwenge, has become a focal point in the pursuit of rebel elements.

President Yoweri Museveni highlighted that some rebels had entered the country, taking advantage of the situation in the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo. The combined efforts of the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) and the DR Congo have been engaged in hunting down these rebels since 2021.

The recent attack underscores the ongoing challenges in the region, prompting increased security measures such as checkpoints, patrols, and searches. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, and further security operations may lead to localized transport disruptions, especially in areas with a heavy security presence.