The Ugandan army spokesperson has suggested that fleeing Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels could have been mauled by crocodiles.
Brigadier Felix Kulayigye made the startling revelation on Friday morning while giving an update on the attack by the rebels that happened early this week in Ntoroko district, western Uganda.
“We can fully account for all the 40 rebels that attacked people in Ntoroko, we have killed 17, captured 13 and the rest might have been eaten by crocodiles in river Semliki. Those we captured alive revealed that they were on orders to kill pagans,” Kulayigye said at a press conference.
The rebels attacked Bweramule Sub County on Tuesday forcing hundreds of residents to flee their homes and pitch camp at Karugutu Primary School.
He added, “ADF is a weakened force which is low on morale and struggling for survival is their effort now. Those who wish to live must surrender and enjoy amnesty.”
Kulayigye revealed that the army has backed up the Uganda Police Force to ensure Ugandans enjoy a peaceful festive season.
“We are assuring the public that we are safe during the festive season however we call upon members of the public to remain vigilant,” he said.
ADF, an Islamist rebel group, has been largely operating in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is designated as a terrorist group.
Uganda’s army deployed in the DRC late last year to hunt the rebels after a series of bomb attacks in the country. The UPDF operation codenamed “shujaa” is still on in the DRC.
The group launched its first attack in Kasese district, November 1996, wrecking havoc in western Uganda before it was defeated in the mid 2000s.
