The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has intensified patrol operations along the Uganda–DR Congo border in Kisoro District following attacks by the FDLR militia. Residents in border areas, including Nyabwishenya Sub-county, Mupaka Town Council, and Nkuringo Town Council, have reportedly experienced a series of raids and kidnappings carried out by the FDLR. ALSO READ: Why the FDLR remains the top threat to Rwanda's security The militia, based in eastern DR Congo for over 30 years, has long been destabilised the region and remains a security concern especially for Rwanda. It is a UN-sanctioned terrorist group that is known for attacks against civilians, kidnappings, among other terror activities. Rwanda in particular has, in the past, faced multiple attacks along the border with DR Congo including an attack in Musanze District that claimed the lives of 14 civilians in 2019. During a security meeting held on Tuesday, April 28 by the UPDF at Kamugemanyi Trading Centre in Nyabwishenya Sub-county, residents shared accounts of recent attacks. Venant Rumazimisi, a resident of Kigezi Village, reported that his neighbour Jack Musekula, 57, from Shunga Village, was kidnapped by suspected FDLR fighters last weekend as Daily Monitor reported. Rumazimisi said the rebels initially demanded a ransom of UGX 5 million, however, before any payment was made, the victim was found abandoned in a forest near the border, with his arms and legs bound with ropes. Valence Manirumva, chairperson of the Mupaka Town Council business community, recounted a similar incident where armed men attacked his home on March 30 at around 3AM, forcing him to hide under his bed in panic, while alerting security forces. The assailants fled, leaving behind a gun magazine. Speaking at the meeting, Lt. Col. Steven Sabiti, Commander of the UPDF's 35th Infantry Battalion in Nyakabande, assured residents that security had been reinforced and patrols intensified. ALSO READ: M23 hands over 14 captured FDLR fighters to Rwanda “UPDF has never lacked manpower,” he noted. “The moment armed individuals cross into our country, they become targets. We urge residents to provide timely information to help security forces respond effectively.”
