Uganda Says Traditional Healer Accused of Leading Attacks Killed by Security Forces

Edited By: Aminata Diallo

Ugandan authorities announced on Tuesday that security forces have killed Christian Asuman Muganzi, described by officials as a traditional healer, along with around twenty of his followers. He was accused of leading coordinated attacks against police and military positions in the country’s western region.

According to regional security deputy chief Albert Kaliruga, Muganzi was located and killed in a hideout in the Bundibugyo district, near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Security officials say he had organized simultaneous assaults in the districts of Bundibugyo, Kasese and Fort Portal, during which armed groups reportedly used submachine guns and machetes to target police stations and military posts. The attacks resulted in the deaths of at least one civilian and one soldier.

A military official in Bundibugyo stated that the group had been seeking to acquire weapons in order to form a tribal militia, but was stopped by security forces. During the operation, authorities recovered ritual items at the site where Muganzi was killed, including medicinal herbs and symbolic objects said to be used in recruiting and motivating followers.

In addition to the deaths, fifteen people were arrested in connection with the attacks. Ugandan security forces say operations in the region are continuing.