A horrifying incident has unfolded in Kasese district, as reports emerge of a suspected attack by Allied Democratic Front (ADF) rebels on a school, resulting in the alleged deaths of 25 students. The attack occurred on Friday night, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
The assailants, believed to be ADF rebels, targeted the Mpondwe Lhubirira Secondary School while the students were sleeping in their dormitories. The school, located in Mpondwe, is situated approximately two kilometers from the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Tragically, it is feared that 25 students lost their lives in the attack. Additionally, eight students have been reported as injured and have been transported to Bwera General Hospital for medical treatment. Disturbingly, the rebels also abducted an unknown number of students as they retreated back into the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The extent of the damage caused by the attack is significant. A dormitory was reportedly set ablaze, and the school's food store was looted and vandalized. The magnitude of the assault highlights the brutality and disregard for innocent lives exhibited by the attackers.
Kasese Resident District Commissioner, Joe Walusimbi, has confirmed the tragic incident, shedding light on the distressing reality faced by the affected community. Uganda Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga has assured the public that the police force is actively investigating the incident to determine the exact number of casualties and missing students, as well as to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) have swiftly responded to the situation and are in pursuit of the suspected rebel group, believed to be heading towards the Virunga National Park. Their aim is to bring those responsible to justice and prevent further harm to the community.
The timing of this devastating attack holds somber significance. Exactly twenty-five years ago, on June 8, 1998, the same rebel group launched a brutal assault on Uganda Technical College, Kichwamba. In that horrific attack, reports indicated that 80 students lost their lives, while another 100 were abducted by the ADF.
As the community and the nation come to terms with this tragedy, support and condolences are pouring in from various quarters. Efforts to provide assistance to the affected families and restore a sense of security in the region are underway.
The devastating attack on the Mpondwe Lhubirira Secondary School highlights the urgent need for continued vigilance and collective action against insurgent groups. The government, security forces, and the community must work together to ensure the safety of educational institutions and protect the future of Uganda's youth.
Further updates on this heartbreaking incident will be provided as more details emerge.
