Kampala, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | In the ongoing efforts by the joint security forces combatting the activities of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a designated terrorist organization operating in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a significant development has occurred. A man, identified as Farouk Matsiko, aged 27, has been apprehended on suspicion of being a spy for the ADF rebels.
The arrest of the suspected ADF rebels spy took place in Kafunda cell within Ibanda Municipality, where Matsiko had been residing before relocating to Nyanga cell in the Mahyoro sub-county of Kitagwenda district, where he had sought casual employment.
It was in Kitagwenda that the local community began to harbor suspicions about Matsiko’s true identity, prompting them to alert the authorities. Subsequently, he was taken into custody.
According to Fred Enanga, the police spokesperson, during questioning, Matsiko not only acknowledged his association with the notorious Islamic-State linked group ADF rebels but also revealed that he had been abducted by the group in 2015 at River Nyamwamba in Kasese district. He disclosed that he was then taken to the Kilembe highlands of Mt. Rwenzori before crossing into the DRC, where he underwent training as an Intelligence Officer.
Matsiko’s knowledge extends to various areas, including Bundibugyo, Bwera, Luwero, and Najjanankumbi. He claimed to have managed to escape from the ADF’s Califonia Camp in the DRC and eventually returned to his hometown in Kafunda cell, Ibanda district.
“He claims he escaped from Califonia ADF Camp, in 2018 and returned to his home village at Kafunda cell, Ibanda district where he has been staying, before shifting to Nyanga cell, Mahyoro sub-county in Kitagwenda district for casual work,” Enanga said.
In a separate incident, the territorial police in Central Police Station (CPS) Kampala apprehended Ransur Komaketch, also known as Kadogo, an 18-year-old individual associated with the ADF rebels. He was found in possession of live ammunition within the city. Similar to Matsiko, Komaketch admitted to his recruitment by the ADF at a remarkably young age of 7. He detailed his escape from an ADF camp in the Congo and his return to Uganda.
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Notably, President Museveni recently addressed the situation, highlighting that the intense military operations against ADF bases in Eastern DRC, under Operation Shujaa, had resulted in some remnants fleeing into Uganda. This migration raises concerns about potential security threats.
The joint security agencies remain vigilant and committed to monitoring all spaces for ADF elements and remnants who may be in hiding. This ongoing effort is essential to ensure the safety and security of Ugandans and visitors to the country.
“As Joint Security Agencies, we continue to actively monitor all spaces for ADF elements and remnants who are hiding, because they continue to pose a threat to Ugandans and visitors to the country,” security said.
