High school attack in Uganda: traumatized population awaits outcome of investigation

2023-06-20T14:03:03.859Z

Highlights: Ugandan police announced on Monday (June 19th) that at least 20 people have been arrested following a massacre at a secondary school near the Congolese border late last week. The ADF terrorist group is suspected of attacking the school, burning and massacring students, killing 42 people. Authorities say the investigation is continuing, but the families are not hiding their frustration. Six wounded are still being treated at the hospital in Bwera, near the school attacked, but two have been transferred nearly 500 km to Kampala, the capital.

Ugandan police announced on Monday (June 19th) that at least 20 people have been arrested following a massacre at a secondary school near the Congolese border late last week.

High school attack in Uganda: traumatized population awaits outcome of investigation

Ugandan police announced on Monday (June 19th) that at least 20 people have been arrested following a massacre at a secondary school near the Congolese border late last week. The ADF terrorist group is suspected of attacking the school, burning and massacring students, killing 42 people. Authorities say the investigation is continuing, but the families are not hiding their frustration.

Relatives mourn Florence Masika and her son Zakayo Masereka, who were both killed by suspected ADF rebels as they withdrew from Saturday's attack on Lhubiriha Secondary School, during their funeral in Nyabugando, Uganda, Sunday, June 18, 2023. AP - Hajarah Nalwadda

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The principal and the head teacher of the school are among the twenty people arrested, according to the police. Authorities say they continue to prosecute the ADF for kidnapping six students. Young people who would be used to carry stolen food.

The army spokesman assured Monday night that the area of the attack was secure and calm. Nevertheless, the population remains traumatized. Many students prefer to stay at home rather than return to area schools. The local press quotes, for example, this school of more than 600 young people with only thirty students.

Pending identification of victims

At the same time, funeral ceremonies continue. On Monday, police said 23 bodies had been returned to families. Two have not yet been claimed. Six wounded are still being treated at the hospital in Bwera, near the school attacked, but two have been transferred nearly 500 km to Kampala, the capital.

Twenty remains have not yet been returned to the families. Some victims, burned, are not recognizable and DNA tests are underway. Human rights defender Wilson Bwambale lives in Kajwenge, a village with 12 of the 42 victims. He said five families had still not been able to bury their children. "It's traumatic. Mothers just cry. In our country, we need traditional rituals and ceremonies to be able to mourn. Without the bodies, it's impossible," he says.

► Read also: After the attack in Uganda, what consequences on the fight against the ADF in the DRC?

High school attack in Uganda: traumatized population awaits outcome of investigation

High school attack in Uganda: traumatized population awaits outcome of investigation

Pending identification of victims

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