Ugandan prosecutors have formally charged Abdul Rashid Kyoto, also known as Njovu, a commander in the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) militia, with terrorism and murder. Kyoto is accused of leading the ADF, affiliated with the Islamic State group, in an attack that resulted in the killing of two foreign tourists and their local guide last month. The ADF is also held responsible for a school massacre in June, where 42 people, mostly students, lost their lives.
Prosecutors have filed charges including terrorism, murder, aggravated robbery, and belonging to a terrorist organization in connection with the tourist attack. The victims, a Briton, a South African, and their guide, were attacked while on safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park on October 17. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the assault, stating that it targeted “three Christian tourists.”
Njovu was apprehended earlier this month on Lake Edward, which straddles the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Two of his associates were reportedly shot dead during the operation, while others managed to escape with their weapons in a boat.
Following the October attack, President Yoweri Museveni urged security forces to eliminate the ADF. The military has since conducted air strikes against ADF positions in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The ADF, historically a Ugandan rebel coalition, has been implicated in widespread violence in eastern Congo, accused of killing thousands of civilians and carrying out cross-border attacks. The group is known for its affiliation with Islamist ideologies and has been a persistent security concern in the region.
In response to the security situation, Britain has advised its nationals to avoid travel to specific areas in Uganda, including Queen Elizabeth Park. Kyoto, the ADF militia commander, has been remanded until November 27 following his court appearance.