In Uganda, the death toll from a terrorist attack at a high school in the west of the country has risen to 43 dead. At the same time, the opposition continues to step up, particularly on Ugandan security capabilities. Explanations.
In Uganda, the toll is growing after the terrorist attack perpetrated on the night of June 16th to 17th, 2023 near the Congolese border, in Mpondwe high school.
Authorities accuse the Islamist group ADF of being behind the assault which, according to the Ugandan press, has now claimed 43 lives following the death of one of the injured.
At the same time, security has been tightened in the west of the country. At the request of President Yoweri Museveni, more troops were sent there, particularly around the Rwenzori Mountains, from where the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) had launched their insurgency in the 1990s, and where the group exploited cocoa and ores.
The pursuit of the attackers also continues in neighboring Congo where the terrorists are said to have fled. Three high school students attacked and held hostage by the group for carrying stolen food, have also managed to escape. They were returned to their families, the army said.
On June 21st, opponent Abdallah Kiwanuka felt that the deployment of the army abroad reduced security capacities on national territory. He called on the power to order the return to the country of these soldiers.
In the meantime, measures are being taken in schools. The district where the attack took place asked the establishments closed after the tragedy to reopen their doors, to provide psychological support to young people. Young people are asked to be more vigilant in the event of a suspicious event.
Finally, schools should employ more than one security guard and ensure they are trained.