Heightened security in Kasese after deadly attack on tourists

Kasese, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT |   There is heightened security along the Kasese-Katwe road following the Tuesday evening attack that claimed the lives of two tourists and their Ugandan tour guide. Uganda Wildlife Authority-UWA, which has declined to name the tourists has identified them as British and South African nationals.

The attackers also torched a vehicle belonging to Gorilla and Wildlife Safaris, a local tour company. According to available information, the attackers waylaid the vehicle at Lake Nyamununka along the Kasese-Katwe road. Kasese Resident District Commissioner Lt. Joe Walusimbi, says that joint security forces are doing all it takes to track down and apprehend those behind the incident.

Security mounted checkpoints and initiated patrols along the Kasese-Katwe road shortly after the attack. Our reporter several patrol teams in Kasese town and in some places business people were advised to close early.

Bashir Hangi, the Uganda Wildlife Authority-UWA spokesperson, says they are working closely with security agencies to establish the sequence of events leading up to the attack and identify those responsible. He urged the public to remain calm and allow the investigative process to run its course.

Hangi said, the parks remain open and they will continue working closely with all security agencies to ensure the safety of tourists. The Katwe Kabatoro Town Council LC III Chairperson, John Bosco Kananura, said local security agencies have also intensified their operations urging the communities to report any suspected criminals within their midst.

The attack follows a series of incidents in which, suspected rebels of the Allied Democratic Forces have attacked and killed people. On Friday last week, suspected ADF rebels ambushed a truck killing two of its occupants before setting it a blaze. The attack in Katholhu village along the Kasese-Mpondwe border highway happened barely a kilometer away from Rusese barracks. In June, suspected ADF rebels attacked Mpondwe-Lhubiriha Secondary School resulting in the loss of at least 43 lives, including 37 students.

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