Uganda Police Arrest Seven Terror Suspects

Ugandan police have arrested seven people for allegedly belonging to two terror cells, and having links to a raid in the central Lukaya and Butambala districts.

Police Spokesman Fred Enanga said intelligence operations had showed that the suspects were being prepared for attacks by fugitive cleric imam Suleman Nsubuga.

Police raided two hideouts of suspected terror cells.

Mr. Nsubuga escaped a raid to his hideout in the central Wakiso District last year.

Mr. Enanga said police were working to ‘dismantle’ any regrouping cells following sustained crackdowns after militant attacks in October and November 2021.

“These are operational cells which are autonomous, mobile and flexible. However, we want to reassure the public we will ensure we eliminate them and prevent creation of new cells.” He said.

The Ugandan government last year blamed Islamic State-affiliated Allied Democratic Forces, ADF, for a series of attacks in the capital, Kampala, which left scores dead and dozens wounded.

The attacks led to a joint operation with the Democratic Republic Congo forces against the rebels that began with air strikes on 30 November.

A second phase of the operation is currently ongoing in eastern DR Congo, while no attacks have been reported in Uganda in recent times.

BBC /Shakirat Sadiq