Uganda- DRC border residents in fear over probable war against ADF

By Our Reporter

1^st Dec 2021

Residents neighboring the Uganda-Democratic Republic of Congo- DRC border in Bundibugyo and Hoima Districts are living in fear after the Uganda People’s Defense forces- UPDF soldiers entered the DRC to pursue the suspected Allied Democratic Forces-ADF rebels.

The UPDF, in a joint operation with DRC forces, launched a series of strikes against the Allied Democratic Forces-ADF militants in neighboring Congo on Tuesday an offensive that Ugandan officials said was intended to drive the militants out of their bases. It came at a backdrop of a series of terror attacks in different parts of Uganda, all of which were blamed on the ADF.

John Tibasiima, a resident at Bugoma landing site in Kyangwali sub-county in Kikuube wants security to be heightened to ensure that they are protected from any possible attacks by the suspected ADF militants who may retaliate.

According to Tibasiima, there is still security laxity along the Uganda-DRC border in the area and he fears that some of the ADF militants could easily sneak into the country through the porous border.

Vincent Alpha Opio, the Kikuube LCV Vice-Chairperson says as leaders they are worried about a possible invasion by some suspected ADF rebels who could flee DRC after being pursued by the UPDF and enter the region using the porous borders.

Julius Hakiza, the Albertine Region Police Spokesperson says they are monitoring the situation both in the DRC and Uganda adding that they have deployed both uniformed and non-uniformed UPDF, CMI, and the police personnel to man security along the border.