Three Arrested for Operating ADF Training Facility in Luwero

The Joint Security Forces have arrested three people suspected to belong to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).

Defence Spokesperson, Brig Felix Kulayigye, said Umar Ajobe Kabonge, a resident of Kikuba Jinja village, Kasana PWD (Public Works, Department) parish in Luweero District, was arrested after the UPDF got intelligence that his home was being used to assemble a bomb.

Kabonge was arrested alongside Akbar Kabanda, a suspect of the Kampala twin bombings, alongside another unidentified suspect.

According to Kulaigye, the three suspects were found making another bomb at Kabonge’s home. He said the bomb was to be used in the coming days.

“Umar’s household doesn’t go to the mosque or any other place in the vicinity and neither do his children go to school,” said one of the locals.

Kabonge, who is suspected to be an ADF ally, owns a set of houses along Bombo Road, Luweero Town Council where he lives with his wife and eight (8) children.

He operates a welding station in front of his home. He is believed to be under the leadership of Kabanda.

It is believed that Kabonge has been training his young children in acts of terrorism as confirmed by his 7-year-old son who told the security personnel and the media at the premises that he could reassemble a rifle.

Kulayigye noted that residents of the village have over time been suspicious of Kabonge because none of his family members were allowed to associate with their mates in the village.

While talking to the press, the LC 3 Councillor of the village, Lawrence Mwesigye, was so remorseful following the incident in his area and acknowledged that on many accounts he has not believed the government on such incidences and has always considered them fabricated stories but was astonished to find it in his village.

The area Defence Secretary, Mr. Abudu Kivumbi, said he had met one of Umar’s daughters, a young girl, on one account, and on asking where she resides, she answered “Banziba” translated to ”I was kidnapped”.

He pondered over it and decided to report the matter to the area police.

Kulayigye urged the local leaders of the area present at the scene to always be vigilant and endeavour to know their residents, their families and their areas of origin.

A number of items were recovered from Umar’s home residence such as mortars, transformers, gun powder, gun cleaners, silencer gun, and Vehicle Borne Explosives, among others.

Security also found a tunnel in Umar’s home.

The suspects have been taken to Crime Intelligence Directorate in Bukoto for interrogation.