Uganda: Authorities likely to increase security in Kasese District following armed attack in Queen Elizabeth National Park Oct. 17

Event

Authorities in Uganda are likely maintaining an elevated security posture in the Kases District after Assailants ambushed a tourist vehicle in Queen Elizabeth National Park along Katwe Road on Oct. 17, killing two foreign nationals and a Ugandan. Local officials confirmed the attack and launched a security operation to track the assailants. While no group immediately claimed responsibility for the incident, authorities suspect the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) are responsible.

Authorities will likely impose heightened security measures, such as checkpoints in the affected areas. Security-related operations could result in localized transport disruptions. Additional attacks cannot be ruled out.

Context

Uganda faces a threat nationwide from terrorist groups such as the ADF. Officials have attributed several attacks, including the most recent Oct. 17 tourist vehicle assault in the Kases District and an attack against a commercial vehicle that left several people dead in the Katojo area on Oct. 13, to ADF militants. Although initially 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 since 2021. Further attacks remain possible nationwide, notably in main urban centers and regions 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 proximate to DRC border 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.