By Kamugisha Leonard Akida,
Bushenyi
Schools in Bushenyi District are on high alert after handwritten leaflets were allegedly dropped by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), warning that they will attack the schools within two weeks if they do not close. The leaflets were found in Kyamuhunga Secondary School, Kyamuhunga Central and Kabingo Model Primary Schools.
In response, authorities are grappling with the possibility of deploying the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) to man the gates of the schools alongside the watchmen. However, this move is yet to be agreed upon by the security committee.
The threat comes after the October 17 attack in which three people were killed when suspected ADF rebels attacked a tourist van in Queen Elizabeth National Park in Kasese. The ADF has been known to target schools and other public places in the past, leading to heightened concerns among residents and authorities.
Bushenyi Resident District Commissioner Robert Atuhairwe has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. He also emphasized that the security forces are doing everything possible to ensure the safety of citizens.
Parents of students in the affected schools are understandably anxious and have called on the government to take swift and decisive action to neutralize the threat. It remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to the latest developments and whether the deployment of UPDF personnel at schools will be implemented.
