Eighty-one suspects linked to the coordinated attacks that occurred in the Rwenzori sub-region on November 1, 2025, were formally charged with multiple capital offenses, including Treason, Terrorism, and Murder. The arraignment took place on Monday before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kasese.
The Charges and Court Proceedings
The suspects, who included two women, were brought before Chief Magistrate George Mfutindinda at the Rukoki Court Chambers under tight security. The charges read against them covered a wide spectrum of serious offenses as below;
- Treason: Contriving a plot to overturn the Government of Uganda by force of arms.
- Terrorism and Financing Terrorism.
- Murder and Attempted Murder.
- Aggravated Robbery.
Due to the nature of the charges, the Chief Magistrate’s Court lacked the jurisdiction to try the suspects, and therefore, they were not allowed to enter a plea. They were subsequently remanded to Mubuku Government Prison in Kasese District. Their next appearance was scheduled for December 23, 2025, pending further investigations.
The Nature of the Attacks
The attacks, which began around 5:00 a.m. on November 1, were coordinated across multiple districts in the Rwenzori sub-region, which borders the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). Key targets included:
- Military and Police Installations: Militants struck the Malindi and Kakuka UPDF detachments in Bundibugyo, and the Rwenzori East Central Police Barracks in Kasese.
- Educational Institutions: Assailants also attempted to raid Canon Apollo Core Primary Teachers College and Nyakasura Senior Secondary School in Fort Portal City.
Security forces confirmed that several assailants were killed during the response, and initial reports indicated a death toll of at least 19 people, including security personnel and civilians, with that figure later rising. The arrested suspects were apprehended across Kasese, Fort Portal, and Bundibugyo districts in the days following the incident.
Court Directs Medical Care
During the session, concerns were raised by the defense counsel regarding the health of some of the suspects, who appeared to be sick. Chief Magistrate Mfutindinda directed prison authorities to ensure that all sick suspects receive appropriate and specialized medical attention while in custody.
The arraignment marked a significant step in the government’s investigation into the violence, which has repeatedly destabilized the Rwenzori region, a historical flashpoint for conflict although authorities had been keen to stress that investigations so far point to local criminal networks
