Summary:
- On June 16, 2023, ADF rebels attacked Mpondwe-Lhubiriha Secondary School in Nyabugando Ward, killing over 40 people, including students, and abducting several others. Since the attack, none of the abducted students have been recovered.
KASESE: Parents of children allegedly abducted by Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels during the attack on Mpondwe-Lhubiriha Secondary School in Kasese District are losing hope of recovering their children.
On June 16, 2023, ADF rebels attacked Mpondwe-Lhubiriha Secondary School in Nyabugando Ward, killing over 40 people, including students, and abducting several others. Since the attack, none of the abducted students have been recovered.
The parents are now appealing to the government for financial support to organize mass prayers in memory of their children.
Mr. Stephen Bwambale, a resident of Nyabugando II Cell and father of Festo Muhindo Siryako, a 22-year-old Senior Three student abducted during the attack, said the families wish to hold memorial services and are requesting government assistance to facilitate them.
Similarly, Mr. Safatia Kule, a resident of Kawempe-Kikyo in Ihandiro Sub-County and father to Morris Kule, emphasized the need for continued psychosocial support for the grieving parents.
He noted that the families had high hopes for their children’s futures, which were tragically cut short by the abduction.
The remarks were made on Friday during a function at the Kinyamaseke Town Council offices, where Bishop Moses Okum of the Pentecostal Church in Kasese handed over 10 tailoring machines to the affected families.
Mr. Sanasio Mupasula, Chairperson of the association formed by parents of the abducted children, explained that the group was established to share ideas and strategies for coping with the aftermath of the tragedy.
Kinyamaseke Town Council Chairperson, Mr. Ernest Kyamakya, commended Bishop Okum for the donation and urged the parents to collaborate with local leaders to link with government programs that could provide further support.
Bishop Moses Okum, who delivered the donation with support from Here is Life Africa, stated that the initiative aimed to restore hope among the affected parents by empowering them economically.
