A total of of14 gunmen have been arrested in Rwenzori sub-region by police. These are suspected to be linked to the Mutima rebel group who are believed to have regrouped in the region.

The 14 were captured in Bundibugyo District on Saturday in an operation led by police and Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF).

Grace Kakwenza, the Resident District Commissioner, said the suspects were allegedly found in a shrine, armed with 70 machetes, 40 knives, a flag of Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu (Kingdom) and a map of Yiira state, among other things.

“After arresting the suspects, other gang members killed Mukakara Enosi Bwambale, 35, a resident, in a revenge attack accusing him of allegedly spying on them,” she noted.

Kakwenza also added that  reliable sources told them that the group have some trainers and traditional herbalists from DR Congo.“But I urge the public to stay calm and keep the peace as we do our work,”

Capt. Edwin Mawanda, the spokesperson for the UPDF Mountain Division, said investigations were ongoing to establish the suspects’ motive.

It should be noted that this is not the first time Rwenzori sub-region is being hit by unrest. The ADF (Allied democratic forces ) have also on several occasions destabilized peace in the region.