BY JOEL KAGUTA
Sunday marked one year since the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels attacked Mpondwe – Lhubiriha Secondary School in Kasese district leaving more than 40 people dead and several others injured.
On June 16, 2023, a group of ADF rebels crossed from their hideout in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and attacked a secondary school located in Nyabugando II Cell, Mpondwe –Lhubiriha Town Council and killed 38 students and five other people from the community.
Jovia Masika whose biological sister was abducted during the night attack told Messiah Radio that their hope as a family to receive their relative back home has slowly faded away.
Lt. Maate Magwara, the Kasese Deputy Resident District Commissioner in-charge of Bukonzo County where the attack happened confirmed to Messiah Radio that at least 11 students have since remained uncounted for but quickly said that investigations aimed at finding them are still ongoing.
When our reporter visited Mpondwe –Lhubiriha Secondary School situated about 3 kilometers from Bwera Divisional Police headquarters, it was still closed.
But Lt. Magwara told our reporter that the premises of the institution are no longer a scene of crime.
Mr. Jockus Bwambale Duduma, who lost his biological parents and his two young brothers were abducted, said the family is requesting government to be clear and open to them that her efforts towards rescuing the abductees have not yet yielded any tangible results.
Mr. Jockim Kamundu, the Secretary for Nyabugando Cell disclosed that his area lost 6 people and three more were abducted.
ENDS