Kampala, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | During the three-day Christmas celebrations nationwide, security in Uganda reports a total of 84 casualties between December 24 and December 26, 2023.
Of these fatalities, 38 resulted from assaults, eight were suicides, a similar number involved the use of blunt objects, and another eight were the outcome of stabbing incidents.
According to a joint brief by Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga, eight individuals lost their lives due to drowning in Busia and Jinja City.
Enanga stated, “Two people were shot dead, three were burnt to death by suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels in Kamwenge.”
In response to the 84 deaths during Christmas, security forces have apprehended 64 suspects, currently held in various police stations.
Also Read: Ten killed in suspected ADF rebels attack in western Uganda
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) reported killing two suspected ADF rebels in a firefight in Kiziba village, Kiziba parish, Kamwenge district. Brig Felix Kulayigye, UPDF Spokesperson, mentioned that the Army is recruiting 1,400 Local Defence Personnel to enhance security in Kamwenge, Kitagwenda, and Bunyangabo districts.
Suspected ADF rebels have established a camp in the Kibaale forest, linking the districts where LDU recruitment is ongoing. In the preceding week, ADF claimed 13 lives, primarily through hacking and arson.
Police and UPDF have urged Ugandans to remain vigilant as New Year celebrations approach. Despite the incidents related to ADF, drowning, assault, and suicide, security forces noted that the general Christmas period was relatively peaceful.
