In a tragic incident that unfolded near the border protected by the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF), Rubiriha Secondary School in Kasese District, Western Uganda, fell victim to a suspected attack by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). The attack resulted in the loss of 43 innocent lives, with several students seriously injured and an undisclosed number of abductions. The local authorities are working diligently to confirm the exact number of abducted students. The UPDF has launched a search and rescue operation, with helicopters being deployed to aid in the effort.
Details of the Attack:
According to reports confirmed by Joe Walusimbi, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Kasese District, 43 students from Rubiriha Secondary School have tragically lost their lives. In addition to the fatalities, eight students sustained severe injuries, while numerous others were taken captive by the suspected ADF rebels. The attack took place merely 2 kilometers away from the border, which is heavily guarded by the UPDF, raising concerns about security vulnerabilities in the area.
Response from the UPDF:
WATCH: "We have got information that the rebels spent two nights here before they raided the school. We have sent for choppers to be deployed in our search and rescue operation for the students who were abducted"- Maj Gen Dick Olum, the UPDF commander of mountain division and… pic.twitter.com/P2szB98kQ3
— Daily Monitor (@DailyMonitor) June 17, 2023
Major General Dick Olum, the UPDF Commander of the Mountain Division and Operation Shujaa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), addressed the local community in Kasese District. He acknowledged reports that the rebels had spent two nights in the vicinity before launching the attack on the school. Major General Olum expressed the UPDF's commitment to swift action, deploying helicopters and initiating a comprehensive search and rescue operation to locate and recover the abducted students. The commander assured the public that all efforts would be made to bring the perpetrators to justice.
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Gruesome Details of the Attack:
Major General Olum shared horrifying details of the attack, explaining that some students, particularly the boys, were burned to death, while the girls were subjected to brutal hacking. The attackers also abducted an unknown number of students, further intensifying the distressing nature of the incident. The gravity of the violence perpetrated against innocent students highlights the urgency of bringing the attackers to justice and ensuring the safety of the remaining students and local communities.
Community Support and Vigilance:
In the aftermath of this tragic event, the local community has rallied together, offering support and solidarity to the affected families and the school. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in combating terrorism and safeguarding educational institutions.
Conclusion:
The suspected ADF attack on Rubiriha Secondary School in Kasese District has left a deep scar on the community, resulting in the loss of 43 young lives and causing significant injuries and abductions. The UPDF's swift response, including the deployment of helicopters for search and rescue operations, reflects the gravity of the situation and the commitment to bring the perpetrators to justice. As the investigation progresses, it is crucial for the community to remain vigilant and united in ensuring the safety and security of educational institutions and the well-being of their students. Such acts of violence must be condemned unequivocally, and concerted efforts should be made to prevent similar incidents in the future and protect the sanctity of education.
