Uganda: Officials likely to maintain increased security nationwide through at least late October

Event

Officials will likely maintain increased security nationwide, particularly in the Kasese District (Western Region) and Kampala, through at least late October. The elevated security posture follows an uptick of attacks either claimed or attributed to the Islamic State (IS)-aligned Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). Recent attacks, include:

• Assailants ambushed a tourist vehicle in Queen Elizabeth National Park, killing one British and one South African national and their Ugandan guide on Oct. 17.

• Assailants ambushed a commercial truck in the Katojo area of the Kasese District, close to the DRC border, leaving at least two civilians dead Oct. 13.

• On June 16, assailants stormed a school in Mpondwe in the same district, leaving at least 37 children dead. An unspecified number of people remain unaccounted for.

In addition, security forces have thwarted several planned bomb attacks in recent weeks, including in Kampala. Police officials also announced Oct. 23 the arrest of 22 suspects in the Kyankwanzi District (Buganda region), suspected to be part of a terrorist sleeper cell.

Increased security measures, such as checkpoints and searches of vehicles and personnel, are more likely at border areas with DRC. Officials have increased patrols along major roads and highways in Kasese and neighboring areas, particularly around tourist sites. Similar measures are likely nationwide, in urban centers notably, including Kampala. Localized transport disruptions could occur in areas with a heavy security presence and subject to security operations.

Context

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 have reportedly been killed since 2021. Further attacks remain possible nationwide, notably in main urban centers and areas bordering the DRC.

Advice

Exercise caution near potential attack targets, including markets, religious places, public gatherings, government, diplomatic, security buildings, and other crowded or sensitive locations. Plan for possible localized disruptions near the shared border with the DRC and in areas subject to increased security. Remain cooperative if stopped at a checkpoint. 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.