Panga-Wielding Assailants Raid Police and Military Sites in Western Uganda
KAMPALA – A wave of fear swept through several districts in western Uganda on Saturday as unknown assailants armed with pangas and other crude weapons launched coordinated attacks on police and military installations.
The early morning raids targeted sites in the towns of Kasese, Bundibugyo, and Fort Portal in the Rwenzori sub-region. According to official reports, security forces successfully repelled the attackers, killing several and arresting dozens more. While several security officers sustained injuries, no fatalities among the forces have been confirmed.
The attacks sent panic through local communities, as evidenced by frantic text messages circulating among residents.
“We are not safe. Stay home until the situation calms down,” read one widely forwarded message seen by this publication.
Another forwarded message claimed, “I have confirmed from the RPC he has said that everyone should be where he/she is that the police barracks has been attacked.”
Authorities have since moved to reassure the public and have intensified patrols and investigations in the region. A preliminary security assessment confirmed that at least two of the assailants were “gunned down and killed at the scene of crime.”
The assailants also set fire to the house of a police officer, identified as Afande Kabugho, as part of their assault.
“Many thanks to the security personnel that was on alert,” one message noted, echoing a sentiment of relief at the swift response.
Security forces suspect the involvement of an organized militia group behind the coordinated attacks. Operations are ongoing to apprehend any remaining suspects and restore full calm to the affected districts.
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