LIVE UPDATES
Uganda prosecutors have formally charged Abdul Rashid Kyoto, a notorious militia commander within the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), with terrorism and murder. Kyoto, known by the alias Njovu, was apprehended earlier this month and is now facing charges not only related to the brutal killing of two foreign tourists and their local driver but also for his alleged involvement in a horrifying school massacre in June.
The Allied Democratic Forces, an extremist group affiliated with the Islamic State, has been under scrutiny for its purported role in various heinous acts. Uganda attributes the murders of the tourists and the local guide, as well as a devastating attack on a school that claimed the lives of 42 individuals, predominantly students, to the ADF.
The director of public prosecutions in Uganda announced on Monday that Kyoto is now officially charged with "two counts of terrorism, three counts of murder, three counts of aggravated robbery, and one count of belonging to a terrorist organization" in connection with the tourist attack. These charges underline the gravity of the accusations against the alleged militia leader.
The capture of Abdul Rashid Kyoto marks a significant breakthrough in Uganda's efforts to bring those responsible for these atrocious acts to justice. The charges encompass a range of serious offenses, reflecting the devastating impact of the ADF's alleged actions on both the lives of innocent civilians and the country's tourism industry. As legal proceedings unfold, the international community will be closely watching how Uganda handles this high-profile case, seeking justice for the victims and their families.
