34 Arrested in Ntoroko as Kabarole Police Probe Threatening ‘ADF Letter’

A joint Police and Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) team arrested 34 suspicious people in Ntoroko district during a crackdown on suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorists.

SCP Enanga Fred, Police Spokesperson, told journalists in Kampala on Monday that the cordon and search operation was carried out in Kisege village, Kamgutu sub-county in Ntoroko District.

“34 suspected wrong persons, not known by local leaders, and without substantive identification documents, were arrested,” he said.

“As the Joint Security Agencies, we continue to conduct intensified patrols, especially along ungazetted entry points in the Districts of Ntoroko, Bundibugyo. Kasese, Kibaale and Kabarole.”

This follows incidents where suspicious-looking strangers were sighted in Nyabweya on June 28, 2023, and in Muhwezi village, Burambira parish in Kabarole District.

Enanga said they are also investigating a threatening letter purportedly written and signed by an ADF commander.

The letter, written in Kiswahili, allegedly had plans to attack Kaswa trading centre, Tamteco tea factory, Mpanga tea factory and Kiamara primary school.

He said such terror letters have an implied threat and can be very scary to the communities.

“We want to assure the respective communities about the presence and visibility of our Joint Security Teams. And for them to know that anonymous threat, can be from fearmongers within the community,” Enanga noted.

“We have meanwhile, posted a sample of the anonymous letter, for residents in Busoro sub-county to take a look at it. If there is anyone who recognizes the writing style, we ask them to inform the nearest Police or Security Agency.”

According to Enanga, all managers of Tea factories around Busoro sub-county, school administrators and the community, have been mobilised to remain vigilant.

“We ask that you reach out to the nearest security agency if you see something suspicious or threatening.”