The joint security task teams of Police and Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), in Rwenzori West and Kabarole have five suspects in custody on charges of making terror related treats of violence, to the business community, schools and tea farmers in Busovo sub county, Kabarole District.

In a police statement released by the Police Spokesperson, SCP Fred Enanga on Tuesday July, 18, 2023, the group issued threats to attack the community and the Police.

“The group claimed that they are the ones who dropped the anonymous threatening letter at River Mpanga Bridge, that they are a group of 30 rebels, with 5 rifles, in Kiamara forest. The suspects were all arrested for allegedly posting violent threats towards the community in Kirere and the Police,” Enanga said.

Police identified the suspects as Narsis Nzabahimana a 29-year-old male adult, Ronald Baguma, aged 22, Jackson Tusiime aged 25, Richard Busobozi aged 16 and Derrick Kagaba aged 14. They were all arrested from Kahuna cell, Kijura town council in Kabarole district.

Enanga added that, as joint security agencies, they take each threat seriously, due to the devastating consequences of fear and panic in the community.

“The public should know that such hoax threats are crimes. After the Kasese school attack, we are seeing an increase in hoax threats against the community, schools and businesses via anonymous text messages posted on social media and via phone calls, and audio recordings,” Enanga said.

Police continues to reassure the public that they are committed and dedicated to securing the safety and security of the communities along the western border with the DRC, against any potential threats including terrorism through high visibility patrols and other covert by targeted operations.