Deputy army spokesperson Deo Akiiki has spoken out on the attack on a detach in Zombo. Akiiki says some of the attackers were former fighters who had been given amnesty by the government.

Attackers stormed the Uganda People’s Defense Barracks wielding machetes, bows and arrows on Thursday killing three soldiers during the attack.

“The assailants were mobilized by some group who were recently given amnesty by the government including one Ovoya, a witchdoctor and other ring leaders like Atochon, Oketcha, Openji, Openjuruanda and UPDF veteran, Corporal Bosco Tonifa,” Akiiki said in a statement.

The attack led to an operation in the area leading to the arrest of 16 whole 15 attackers were killed while they tried to flee to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“Investigations are ongoing to establish more details about the matter,” Akiiki said.

“The UPDF will continue with the operations to ensure the group is wiped out and its leaders both in Uganda and Congo are brought to book. We have increased our border operations across the entire frontier with DRC in this area.”