Tears, Panic grip Kasese residents as ADF rebels attack school, killing 25 students

A dark cloud has covered the country after ADF rebels carried out a terrorist attack on Lhubirira Secondary School, located 2 kilometres away from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border in Kasese.

The rebels set fire to a dormitory, killing 25 students, and looted the school food store.

As of now, Fred Enanga, the Police Spokesperson say they have discovered and transferred 25 lifeless bodies to Bwera Hospital, where they will undergo further examination.

8 victims, gravely injured during the attack are also receiving care at Bwera Hospital in critical condition.

According to Enanga, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the police have launched a pursuit towards Virunga National Park, to capture the rebels.

“We do offer our deepest condolences to the families of those who have been killed, and offer our prayers and thoughts to those who have been wounded. More details will be availed in due course” says Enanga.

A fire truck from the region was called to put off the fire. The Commanding Officer 5 mountain battalion, DPC and their teams rushed to the scene after the attack and deployed officers to safeguard the scene.

Preliminary information from the public indicates that the attackers were on foot with some abducted students (numbers not established) whom they used to carry the looted food towards Virunga national park.

Some residents are fleeing the village to seek safety in Kasese town.

A team from UPDF is in pursuit of the attackers.