RWENZURURU KING MEETS ADF VICTIMS

By Isaac Mumbere

KASESE

The Rwenzururu King (Omusinga) Charles Wesley Mumbere Iremangoma has met with the parents of children who died in the deadly ADF rebel attack on Mpondwe-Lhubiriha Secondary School in Mpondwe-Lhubiriha Town Council, Kasese district.

On June 16, 2023 rebelsof the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a jihadist group speculatively linked by analysts to the Islamic State, attackedthe school and killed 38 students, a security guard and community members.

During today’s meeting that was held at the Omusinga’s Kamaiba based Palace in Kasese town, the King who sympathized with the grieved families, commended the government’s organs, Nongovernmental Organizations and individuals for their quick response and condolences.

Among the individuals that the Omusinga recognised their efforts towards supporting the victims is the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kasese, Rt. Rev. Francis Kibira who is currently paying fees for 11 children who survived the attack.

In their report that they presented to the Omusinga, the Group’s Chairperson, Mr. Sanasio Mupasula, explained that following the attack, the parents who lost their children decided to form an association as a platform for them to share ideas, lobby for both financial and material support as well as psychosocial support.

He also asked the King to engage government, faith based organizations and Civil Society Organizations among others to extend a helping hand to them so that they may establish a number of projects including poultry, goat rearing and piggery.

Responding to their report, the Omusinga, who pledged total support to the association, observed need for government to construct a monument for the people who perished during the attack.

The Rwenzururu Cultural leader also noted that his cultural institution would link the association to other humanitarian organizations, government and Nongovernmental Organizations for support including offering educational bursaries and boosting their livelihoods.

He encouraged the parents to be organizing annual prayers and memorial services in memory of the deceased children and the 11 children who are still missing following the attack.