Suspected ADF agent arrested in Bugiri

A suspected agent of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels has been arrested in Bugiri District. The suspect, identified as Bashir Waiswa, was tracked by security operatives from his hideout in Kisumu City, Kenya, according to Busoga East Police spokesperson Mr Michael Kafayo.

“This suspect had been residing in Kisumu, Kenya, where he worked as a mason while coordinating rebel activities in Uganda. Security forces tracked him when he entered the country,” Mr Kafayo said.

He further revealed that Waiswa possesses two national identity cards, one from Kenya and the other from Uganda.

Mr Kafayo added that the suspect is originally from Ivukura Village, Ivukura Town Council in Namutumba District. However, he had constructed a home in Namayemba Central Village, Namayemba Town Council, Bugiri, where he was planning to execute rebel activities.

The suspect is accused of recruiting children for the ADF by picking them up from Bugiri and crossing them across borders.

Police have taken Waiswa to Bugiri Central Police Station for further interrogation.

Reports of ADF activities in the Busoga sub-region gained prominence during the tenure of former Inspector General of Police Gen. Kale Kayihura but decreased after the arrest of their leader, Jamil Mukulu, in Tanzania.

The arrest of Waiswa comes at a time when Uganda has seen a reduction in terrorism activities, following several interventions by the government. Since 2014, security organs have made significant strides in increasing national vigilance.

According to Col Okei Rukogota, Director of the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, one of the main reasons for the country's success in curbing terrorism has been addressing the socioeconomic drivers through poverty eradication programs.

“People who are aggrieved are the most vulnerable to extremist recruitment. Many join these terror groups due to lack of good-paying jobs, leading them to ADF camps in Congo, where they are often promised a better life,” Col Rukogota explained.

He highlighted that poverty, a major driver of terrorism, has been progressively reduced in recent years, contributing to the decline in terrorist activities.

“Through National Development Programme III (NDPIII), we have increased household incomes, improved quality of life, and fostered sustainable industrialization for inclusive growth,” Col Rukogota said. “We have also engaged cultural leaders, clergy, and community groups, such as boda boda riders, in fighting violent extremism.”

He emphasized that raising awareness about terrorism, radicalization, and violent extremism has significantly reduced recruitment in madrasas, with terrorists now resorting to online platforms for recruitment.

“The space for terrorist activity has been reduced, and now we are focusing on intensifying radio programs and social media interactions,” Col Rukogota said. “However, more work is needed in this area.”

He also revealed that all sleeper cells have been dismantled, and terrorists can no longer operate openly in Uganda.

In a recent statement, the Spokesperson of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Brig Gen Felix Kulayigye, confirmed the reduction in terror activities.

"If I may ask you, have you heard of any terror activity in recent times? That means it has gone down,” Brig Gen Kulayigye said. “There is a reduction, not just a slight one, but a significant one.”

He credited this success to the vigilance of both security forces and the public.

Brig Gen Kulayigye urged Ugandans to remain vigilant and observe their surroundings.

“Mind your neighborhood, be aware of who has entered your area, and where they have come from. Neighborhood watch is crucial,” he added.