Summary:
- On June 16, 2023, a group of ADF rebels crossed from their hideout in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and attacked the secondary school located in Nyabugando II Cell, Mpondwe-Lhubiriha Town Council.
- The attack claimed the lives of 38 students and five community members.
KASESE: It has marked one year since the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels attacked Mpondwe-Lhubiriha Secondary School in Kasese district, resulting in over 40 deaths and multiple injuries.
On June 16, 2023, a group of ADF rebels crossed from their hideout in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and attacked the secondary school located in Nyabugando II Cell, Mpondwe-Lhubiriha Town Council. The attack claimed the lives of 38 students and five community members.
Jovia Masika, whose sister was abducted during the night attack, told our reporter that their hope as a family to see their relative return home has slowly faded away.
Lt. Maate Magwara, the Kasese Deputy Resident District Commissioner in charge of Bukonzo County where the attack occurred, confirmed that at least 11 students remain unaccounted for. However, he stated that investigations to find them are still ongoing.
When our reporter visited Mpondwe-Lhubiriha Secondary School, situated about 3 kilometers from Bwera Divisional Police headquarters, it was still closed. Lt. Magwara assured that the premises are no longer considered a crime scene.
Mr. Jockus Bwambale Duduma, who lost his parents and had two younger brothers abducted, expressed the family’s frustration with the government’s lack of transparency regarding the efforts to rescue the abductees, stating that no tangible results have been achieved so far.
Mr. Jockim Kamundu, the Secretary for Nyabugando Cell, disclosed that his area lost six people, and three more were abducted. He noted that the government has not been involved since they promised to intervene.
