Uganda: As of June 21, security operations ongoing in border areas of Kasese District following attack in Mpondwe, Western Region, June 16 /update 1

Event

As of June 21, security operations are ongoing at border areas in Kasese District following an attack at the Lhubiriha Secondary School in Mpondwe, Western Region, June 16. Increased security is likely around Mpondwe, along major roads including the A109 and the crossing with DRC, and along the porous border in proximity to DRC's Virunga National Park. Authorities may also deploy checkpoints near government and military installations and major transport hubs in the area.

Armed assailants attacked the school late June 16, killing at least 42 people, including 37 children, and kidnapping an unspecified number; up to a dozen people may have been abducted. The attackers then fled across the border into the nearby Virunga National Park in the DRC. Officials have blamed the attack on the Islamic State (IS)-aligned Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). There have been no claims of responsibility as of yet. So far, officials announced that 20 suspects have been arrested, while security forces killed at least two assailants in the Virunga National Park and rescued three individuals.

Security measures could prompt localized transport and business disruptions, including travel delays and delays at the border crossing.

Context

Uganda faces a threat nationwide from terrorist groups such as the ADF. Although originally a Ugandan-based group, the ADF operates mainly in the DRC's North Kivu and Ituri provinces, where it has been implicated in dozens of attacks, including bombings. The ADF was also blamed for suicide bombings in Kampala in late 2021. In the aftermath, Uganda launched a joint security operation (operation Shujja) with DRC at border areas against ADF strongholds; hundreds of militants were reportedly killed in 2022. Further attacks remain possible nationwide, notably in main urban centers and areas bordering the DRC.

Advice

Exercise caution near potential attack targets, including markets, security installations, and other crowded or sensitive locations. Plan for possible localized disruptions in Mpondwe and surroundings areas. Remain cooperative if stopped for checks. Foreign nationals should always carry their passports, as well as register and maintain contact with their diplomatic missions. Heed all official security and transport advisories.