Police has revealed that over 20 suspects have so far been apprehended in reference to the Friday 16, Kasese terrorist attack.
The attack, allegedly masterminded by the Allied Defence Forces (ADF) involved massive killing and looting of property at Lhubiriha Secondary School claiming 42 lives, 37 of whom were students, six injured while several others abducted.
Addressing the media on Monday, the police spokes person Fred Enanga noted how ongoing reports indicated a suspected collaboration between the masses and the terror group, aiding the attack and though were interrogating all the possibilities.
“As we speak, we have arrested suspects linked to the attack and have allegedly been working with the terrorist groups. Over 20 have been held at Kasese police station,” Enanga said.
Adding, “As a country we will remain supportive to each other in fighting terrorism, even if they attack us in several threatening or even inhumane ways we shall not be weakened as country or even lose our focus to end terrorism.”
He thus challenged the ADF to launch their attacks on the security forces and not exhibit traits of being cowards by attacking vulnerable members of the society like students who could not even shelter themselves from harm.
So far, 25 bodies of the victims have been identified, samples still being taken from family members to help identify the rest but also enable assign a decent burial for all.
Four of the six that were injured are still under the custody of Bwera hospital, one at Kirudu and the other referred to Mulago hospital while four have since been recorded as survivors
The school director plus the headteacher, according to Enanga remain among the suspects and hold valuable information that could aid the investigations.
Enanga notes that information for example concerning the actual number of students registered and present at the school before the attack stills remained unclear including reports on how many were abducted contemplating between five and seven.
“We are looking forward to the exact registration number of students that were present, others say it was 54 and others over 60, so we want that if we get this register already, our teams are on the ground and they will be able to give us the exact details,” said Enanga.
He thus disregarded that fact that they were not ahead of the situation only that no country was immune to threats however tight the security was though it was unfortunate that lives were lost this time
Organizations like the UNICEF, an organization that looks up for children “rights has since condemned that act calling for the immediate release of the victims.
In a statement by ”Munir Safieldin (Ph.D), UNICEF Representative to Uganda said schools were a safe place for all learners and must never be attacked.
“We appeal to all those involved in the Friday attack to respect schools and the rights of every child to learn in safe and protected environment,” statements reads in part.
Adding that they stood in solidarity with the students, the teaching staff, the school authorities, families of those impact and the people of Uganda in this sad moment.
The Kasese attacks were on the same day gazetted to commemorate the Day of the African Child.
