We would like to inform the public that the Christmas festival was peaceful, apart from the attack by suspected ADF rebels in Kamwenge, where 3 people were burnt and killed on the 26.12.2023. the violent attackers are taking advantage of the vast Kibaale National Park, as their criminal hub, where they sneak from and terrorise vulnerable residents in Kamwenge district. Our thoughts and prayers are with their immediate families and loved ones.
As a result, the UPDF and police have directed more resources in form of manpower, including the immediate recruitment of LDUs, to help counter such attacks from the ADF remnants in the area, identify collaborators within the community and also monitor all places neighbouring the National Park, where the remnants sneak from and terrorise the neighbourhood.
Meanwhile, today 27.12.2023, the UPDF managed to put out of action 2 ADF rebels and injured, a third, during a fire exchange and violent confrontation with ADF rebel group at 9am, at Kiziba zone, Kiziba parish Kamwenge district. The village is next to Nyabitusi which was attacked on the night of 25th – 26th .12.2023.
Regarding, the Christmas festivals, across the county, the Leadership of the Joint Security Agencies has applauded all security personnel who effectively secured the Christmas Holiday and Festivities across the country. Reports from all our jurisdictions indicate that the festivities were generally peaceful without any incidents of major security significance. At least millions of Christian’s gathered in churches and other places of worship across the country to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and also observe the Christmas holiday. We thank all the religious leaders who worked with our security teams to ensure the safety and security of church goers and well-wishers. Our teams across the country, also worked with event’s organizers and promoters and successfully policed all music shows and concerts, at major venues.
Generally, from an operational stand point, the Joint Security Personnel were very alert and professional in the many roles they carried out during and after the Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The full team effort included the UPF, UPDF, Prisons, JIC of ISO, CMI, ESO and CI, the General Duties, Field Force Unit, CID, Fire and Rescue, JATT, Traffic, Airwing, Forensic, K-9, Highway Patrols, Public Relations, Rapid and Quick reactions teams among others. Based on the time and celebrities, our responses were basically on disruptive behaviours, intimate partner violence and intoxication.
The inter-agency planning, preparation, evaluation and coordination efforts, were very effective, which made the likelihood of an attack and major threat very low. We also want to thank the LCs, other local leaders and the community for their level of vigilance. Together, we were able to deliver a very peaceful, safe and secure, Christmas Day celebrations.
We are now focusing our priorities to policing the New Year. We are remaining on full alert to ensure the rest of the holiday period is peaceful.
SCP Enanga Fred
Police Spokesperson
27th December 2022
