Three Decades Later: Kasese Still Haunted by ADF Insurgency

Three decades have passed since the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) launched their initial invasion into Uganda through the border town of Mpondwe in Kasese District. To this day, the region continues to bear the heavy physical and emotional scars left behind by decades of rebel activity and insecurity.

The protracted conflict has tested the resilience of local communities, who have lived through waves of displacement, economic disruption, and threats to their daily safety. Despite extensive military efforts over the years, the shadow of the ADF remains a significant security concern for residents in the western region.

Today, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) remain actively engaged in operations to neutralize the threat posed by the ADF, both domestically and through cross-border initiatives. Security forces continue to monitor the rugged terrain near the border to prevent renewed incursions and protect vulnerable populations.

As the region reflects on thirty years of turbulence, local leaders and communities call for continued vigilance, sustainable peacebuilding, and comprehensive support for victims who still struggle with the long-term impacts of the insurgency.

For more details on this retrospective report, read the full story on the Daily Monitor.