A Ugandan national and two tourists—one from South Africa and the other from the United Kingdom—were killed by suspected militants from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in the Queen Elizabeth National Park, according to police reports. The incident also saw their safari vehicle set ablaze.
Police spokesperson, Fred Enanga, detailed the assault on X, the platform previously known as Twitter, stating that efforts were underway to pursue the suspected ADF members. A photograph showcasing a burning four-wheel-drive vehicle was shared by Uganda’s police on the same platform.
Originating in Uganda, the ADF shifted its base to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the late 1990s. The group declared its loyalty to the Islamic State in 2019 and has been blamed for numerous attacks, causing thousands of deaths over the years.
Bashir Hangi of the Uganda Wildlife Authority confirmed that the assault took place on Tuesday evening. Historically, the ADF has been active in the region, launching attacks in both Uganda and Congo.
In response to the rising threats from the ADF, a combined ground and air operation was initiated by Uganda and Congo in December 2021. As per Ugandan authorities, the campaign successfully eliminated over 560 ADF fighters and demolished their camps. However, increasing ADF activities suggest intensified threats in the region.
