The Effects of Terrorism on Education: The ADF Militas Attack in Uganda

Ugandan Military Personnel searching for ADF Militias

One often-forgotten aspect of terrorism is the threat it poses to the lives of young people. It not only threatens their lives but also actively disrupts the education system. Throughout Africa, over nine thousand schools have been closed due to terrorism threats against students or teachers, depriving nearly two million students of an education.

The threats of armed assaults on schools are a valid fear. In Uganda, on June 18th, terror operatives affiliated with the Islamic State entered Lhubiriha Secondary School and began killing students with machetes. These men moved from dormitory to dormitory, armed with blades, stabbing students and attempting to burn down the school. The dorms housed sixty students, and more than half of them were killed in the attacks. The current death toll stands at thirty-seven, with eight students in critical condition after terrorists threw fire bombs into their bedrooms. Six students are believed to have been abducted after being forced to assist the terrorists in stealing food from the school's cafeteria.

The group behind the attack is thought to be the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), based in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The ADF is closely affiliated with the Islamic State. The attackers are believed to have crossed the border back into the DRC. Ugandan counter-terror forces are reportedly tracking the attackers in the hope of rescuing those abducted by the group.

These attacks have sparked outrage among Ugandans, with border security forces revealing that they had intelligence suggesting the group had been camped near the school two days before the attack. Just a few weeks ago, ADF fighters had been carrying out attacks on border towns in the DRC, leading hundreds of citizens to flee into Uganda.

The ADF commonly targets schools in an attempt to create fear within communities and abduct potential recruits. The fight against terror involves more than just the military; it also requires the protection of everyday services that are vital to keep a community functioning.

Ugandan Forces Defeat Al-Shabaab & Recapture Occupied Villages

Not long ago, the Ugandan Forces with ATMIS (The African Transition Mission in Somalia) stationed at a military base in Bulo Marer faced an assault from Al-Shabaab forces. Car bombs, suicide bombers, and around eight hundred fighters bombarded the base early in the morning hours. The US, ATMIS, and Somali forces retaliated, recovering the base. It is now being reported by New Vision (2023) that the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) have recaptured Bulo Marer and other surrounding villages from Al-Shabaab's control. The Ugandan military forces faced resistance from Al-Shabaab snipers stationed around the villages. This recapture has brought with it a return to normalcy for Somali citizens in the area. Brigadier General Peter Omalo, the leader of the UPDF in the area, said in a statement, "We have combed the area to ensure no Al-Shabaab element is hiding and the road has been cleared of bombs. [...] As UPDF serving under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia, we remain committed to supporting a Somali-led peace and stability process as mandated by the African Union."

The current situation in Somalia is improving with African Union, Somali, and Western counter-terror offensives having tremendous success. Recently, group leaders have been wounded, killed, or have surrendered. This further progress into Al-Shabaab's territory is just another victory for counter-terror forces.