Somto Bisina
In a devastating incident near the Uganda-Congo border, the peaceful ambiance of the border town of Mpondwe was shattered as a suspected rebel attack on Lhubiriha Secondary School resulted in the loss of numerous lives.
According to Ugandan police, at least 40 people have been reported dead, while others have been abducted. The tragic event has raised concerns about the security of educational institutions and the safety of children in conflict-stricken regions.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelLate on Friday night, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), known for their violent activities in the region, carried out the assault. The privately owned Lhubiriha Secondary School, situated in Uganda’s Kasese district, became the target of the rebels. As a result of the attack, a dormitory was set ablaze, and a food store was looted.
While the precise identity of all the victims remains unknown, 40 bodies have been recovered and transferred to Bwera Hospital. Tragically, eight individuals are in critical condition, battling for their lives.
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Ugandan authorities swiftly reacted to the incident, deploying troops to track down the assailants within the Virunga National Park in Congo. Meanwhile, Joe Walusimbi, an official representing Uganda’s president in Kasese, expressed the government’s determination to confirm the number of victims and individuals who were abducted.
The nation mourns the loss of innocent lives, with some bodies beyond recognition due to the intensity of the fire. Public figures, including influential political leader Winnie Kiiza, took to social media to condemn the attack, emphasizing the importance of preserving the sanctity of educational spaces as safe havens for children.
The ADF, notorious for its relentless attacks on civilians, has been a prominent menace in the region. The rebel group, with a long-standing opposition to President Yoweri Museveni’s regime, was initially formed in Uganda before taking refuge in eastern Congo.
In recent years, they have been responsible for numerous assaults, particularly targeting remote communities in eastern Congo. Furthermore, the ADF’s affiliation with the Islamic State group adds to the complexity and severity of the security situation.
Recognizing the threat posed by the ADF, Ugandan authorities have pledged to confront the militants both domestically and internationally.
In 2021, Uganda initiated joint air and artillery strikes in Congo to combat the group. However, the challenges of limited control over the region have allowed rebel groups to persist, endangering the lives and well-being of innocent civilians.
