On the morning of November 15th, 2021, a rebel attack on a school in Uganda near the Congo border resulted in the tragic loss of 25 lives. The attack occurred at the Mother Francisca International Academy, a boarding school located in the town of Kikyo, in the western part of Uganda.
According to reports, a group of armed rebels from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) stormed the school in the early hours of the morning, firing indiscriminately at students and staff. The attackers also set fire to several buildings on the school grounds, including dormitories and classrooms.
The attack lasted for several hours before security forces arrived on the scene and engaged the rebels in a gun battle. By the time the fighting had ended, 25 people had been killed, including 20 students and 5 staff members. Several others were injured and taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The ADF is a rebel group that has been active in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for over two decades. The group is known for its brutal tactics, including mass killings, kidnappings, and attacks on civilians. In recent years, the ADF has expanded its operations into neighboring countries, including Uganda.
The attack on the Mother Francisca International Academy is just one of several incidents of violence that have occurred in the region in recent months. In October, a similar attack on a school in Cameroon resulted in the deaths of several students. And in August, an attack on a village in eastern DRC left over 50 people dead.
The Ugandan government has condemned the attack and vowed to bring those responsible to justice. President Yoweri Museveni has ordered an investigation into the incident and has promised to increase security measures in the region.
The attack on the Mother Francisca International Academy is a tragic reminder of the ongoing violence and instability in parts of Africa. It highlights the need for increased international cooperation and support to address the root causes of conflict and promote peace and stability in the region.
