The African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have condemned have condemned a deadly attack on Lhubiria Secondary School in Kasese by suspected Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels.
The attackers stormed the school on Friday night killing more than 40 students. Lhubiria Secondary School is located in Mpondwe town, a few kilometers from the Uganda-DRC border.
In a tweet, Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission described the attack as cowardly before sending his condolences to people of Uganda.
“There are no words for the shock nor condemnation strong enough to express my horror at the brutal and cowardly terrorist attack by suspected ADF terrorists, which targeted a school in Western Uganda near the border with the DRC, killing 42 students,” says Mr Mahamat.
“My sincere condolences go to the loved ones of the victims, and in full solidarity with President Kaguta Museveni, the government and the people of Uganda during this painful period of national loss,” he added.
Maj. General Dick Olumu, who is Commanding UPDF troops in DRC under the Uganda/DRC mission code-named operation shujaa said the ADF rebels had planned to burn military vehicles but after their plan was aborted, they turned to the school.
He said the rebels did spend two days within the communities along the Uganda-DRC border before the attack.
Nuur Mohamud Sheekh, the IGAD spokesperson, said the regional body condemns the “cowardly and senseless terrorist” attack.
“We stand in strong condemnation of the cowardly and senseless terrorist attack that took place at Lhubirira Secondary School in Kasese District. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families & friends of those who lost their lives, and we wish a speedy recovery to the injured. The government and the people of Uganda have our full support and solidarity during this difficult time,” wrote Sheekh.
Maj. Gen. Olum while addressing communities on Saturday said they have information about likely collaborators within the community. He asked the local community to be vigilant. Tension at the school remains high as parents camped outside waiting for information.
The attack on the school brings fresh memories of the 1998 attack on Kichwamba Technical Institute in Kabarole District by ADF rebels. The rebels killed 80 students and abducted several.
On Monday, more than 100 Congolese nationals entered Mpondwe-Lhubiriha Town Council following suspected ADF attacks on local communities. Eight people are reported to have been killed during the attack.