Kampala, (UG): The Nalawa Chief Magistrates Court has charged and sent on remand the notorious ADF rebel commander Abdul Rashid Kyoto alias Njovu for his role in the murder of two foreign tourists and a tour guide near Queen Elizabeth National Park last month and further for the attacks that resulted in the death of 5 innocent civilians.
Njovu who also goes by the alias of Tembo is the commander of Camp in Mwalika in DRC and formerly a resident of Suni village, Lyama sub-county in Budaka district.
Police said Njovu was today (Monday) arraigned before Nakawa Chief Magistrate, Erias Kakooza and nine counts of terrorism, murder, aggravated robbery and belonging to a terrorist organization read for him.
“The Directorate of CID in coordination with the ODPP, have today 13th November 2023, charged the notorious ADF rebel commander, Abdul Rashid Kyoto alias Njovu, to court, after he was handed over recently by CMI, for his participation with others, in the brutal attack and murder of two foreign tourists and their guide in Queen Elizabeth National Park, and also for the attacks that resulted in the death of 5 innocent civilians,” Mr Enanga, the Police Spokesperson told journalists during a security briefing at Naguru on Monday.
Kyoto and others still at large are accused of having carried out the attack on October 17, 2023, at Nyamunuka, along Katunguru-Katwe-Kabatoro road within Queen Elizabeth National Park in Kasese district for purposes of influencing government or intimidating the public and for political, and religious, social or economic aim indiscriminately without due regard to the safety of others or property, thus causing the death of Barlow David James, Geyer Emmarentia Cecilia and Eric Alyai who were civilians not engaged in armed conflict.
He is also accused of murder contrary to sections 188 and 189 and aggravated robbery contrary to sections 285 and 286(2) of the Penal Code Act.
Mr Enanga thanked the UPDF together with the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) for their aggressive pursuit of the ADF rebels, before also recognizing the role of the D/CID and ODPP for expanding on the evidence gathered by the UPDF Marines, the Mountain Brigade and the CMI.
He said despite having initially sustained injuries during his arrest, Njovu was treated and today arraigned in court where he was read the charges.
“The arraignment in court of 9 charges, terrorism 02, 3 charges of murder, 3 charges of aggravated robbery and 1 charge of belonging to terrorist organisation against Abdul Rashid, alias Njovu alias Tembo, is a clear message to all terrorists and enemies of our county, Uganda, that combating terrorism remains a top priority of the Joint Security Agencies and the government of Uganda,” Mr Enanga stated.
According to Mr Enanga, Kyoto was not allowed to take plea(deny or accept charges) since the charges are capital in nature and only triable by the High Court.
The Nakawa Chief Magistrate remanded him to Luzira maximum prison until November, 27 when he will reappear for further mention.
“We remain committed to bringing to justice all perpetrators of violence, who harm our citizens and visitors,” Mr Enanga stated.
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