Police authorities have officially announced the apprehension of a fugitive belonging to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), who had fled from the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo and taken refuge in Uganda.

Fred Enanga, the spokesperson for the police, disclosed that the individual, identified as Abdurazak Bahati, was arrested last week by the police in Rwenzori East and Mpondwe, situated in Kasese District.

Enanga made this revelation during a weekly police press briefing in Kampala, stating, “The suspected 28-year-old ADF rebel evaded authorities in Twodoli, DR Congo, and entered Uganda.” According to police reports, Bahati was part of a group that infiltrated Uganda in November 2023 through Ntoroko District.

“Although most of his associates were eliminated, we suspect there are still a few remnants at large whom we are actively pursuing,” Enanga remarked.

The police continue to conduct numerous operations in the Rwenzori region to root out ADF militants.

“Due to the ongoing successful UPDF pursuit against ADF rebels in Eastern DR Congo, our counter-terror task teams remain vigilant and monitor our western borderlines for potential threats in the Rwenzori area, in coordination with joint territorial security teams,” Enanga emphasized.

He further stated, “While we currently lack specific intelligence regarding new attacks along the Rwenzori axis with DR Congo, we are closely monitoring ADF activities on the other side of the DR Congo. We have received reports of insecurity attributed to ADF in Bukuka Hills, Eastern DRC. We are monitoring security incidents on the Eastern DR Congo side of Lhubiriha, Kasindi, around February 12.”

Police reiterated their call for heightened vigilance in the fight against rebel groups and terrorism.

“Our joint territorial teams are maintaining a heightened state of readiness with patrols and increased visibility along the Rwenzori area to counter any potential threats,” Enanga added.

On November 2, the UPDF announced the capture of the leader of the ADF group responsible for the murder of two foreign tourists on honeymoon and their local guide in Queen Elizabeth National Park.

The suspect, Abdul Rashid Kyoto, alias Njovu, aged 31, was believed to be the sole survivor of a nocturnal military operation against the ADF, as six terrorists from the group were killed.

On November 27, 2023, Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court further remanded Njovu to Luzira Prison on charges of murder and terrorism.