By Jamillah Kemigisa
The Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kasese has this afternoon remanded 84 suspects linked to the recent Rwenzori attacks to Mubuku Government Prison following their first court appearance on a range of grave security-related charges.
Led by Biira Josephine Nyabahasa, the group was remanded by Chief Magistrate His Worship George Mfitundinda until 23 December 2025.
The suspects form part of more than 90 individuals arrested after the 1 November 2025 coordinated attacks that rattled the Rwenzori sub-region, left dozens dead and prompted a joint security response across several districts.
Their appearance comes just days after senior security officials briefed the country on the scale of the attacks. According to Maj. Gen. Stephen Mugerwa, the Mountain Division Commander and head of Operation Shujaa, 41 attackers were killed and over 90 arrested during operations in Kasese, Bundibugyo, Ntoroko and Fort Portal. He said security forces have since restored calm in the affected areas.
In Kasese District alone, 18 attackers were killed, six police officers injured and 42 suspects captured alive. In Fort Portal City, 21 attackers were put out of action and 26 apprehended. Bundibugyo District recorded the killing of a UPDF officer and his wife; security responded by killing two attackers and arresting 22 others, including alleged ringleader Asuman Mukirania Muganzi of Kakuka II, Sindilela Sub-county.
During the court session, His Worship Mfitundinda read the charges, which allege that between 24 October and 1 November 2025, the suspects carried out coordinated assaults on security installations in Kangadi, Ntoroko, Kitwangenda, Kasese, Bundibugyo, Kabarole, Fort Portal, Bunyangabu and areas along the Uganda–DRC border.
The Chief Magistrate noted that his court lacks jurisdiction over capital offences and therefore ordered the group’s remand pending completion of investigations. He directed the State to expedite inquiries and instructed prison authorities to ensure that any ill suspects receive proper medical attention.
According to the prosecution, the accused face ten serious charges, including treason, terrorism, murder, attempted murder, aggravated robbery, terrorism financing, and human trafficking, all connected to the planning and execution of the attacks. The matter will proceed to the High Court once investigations are complete.
Those charged alongside Biira Josephine include Muhindo Daniel, Muhindo Nehemiah, Bagheni Azala, Musoki Moses, Kule Michael, Baluku Dan, Mungisha David, Agaba Dauda, Muhindo Zedekiah Timothy, Bingaha Happy, Madrid Bakulhirahi, Thembo James, Bahanika Fred, Bwambale Jonana, Opoloti Simon Peter, Rukia Happy, Ayinamani, among others.
Although 84 suspects had been scheduled to appear, only 81 were produced in court. The three absent individuals, Thembo Joackim, Bwambale Phillimon, and Mugabi Michael—will be issued criminal summons, the magistrate ruled.
The case returns on 23 December 2025 as the State continues investigations into one of the most significant security incidents to strike the Rwenzori sub-region in recent years.
The region has experienced periodic unrest over the past decade, with deadly clashes in 2014 and 2016. Analysts say armed groups have exploited historical grievances, difficult terrain and porous borders. The November 2025 attacks, which spread across multiple districts, represent the most extensive resurgence of coordinated violence in years and have triggered heightened security deployments across the area.
