ADF suspect charged over killing of tourists in park
Abdul Rashid Kyoto, alias Njovu, 31, an alleged commander of the Allied Democratic Forces rebel group, at the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court on November 13, 2023. He was charged with terrorism, murder and aggravated robbery of a British couple and their Ugandan guide in Queen Elizabeth National Park. PHOTO/ABUBAKER LUBOWA
What you need to know:
- Under the charge of terrorism, Mr Kyoto is accused of carrying out acts of violence aimed at causing the death of Barlow David James, Geyer Emmarentia Cecilia, and Eric Alyai, all civilians who were not engaged in armed conflict.
A suspected commander with the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel group was yesterday sent on remand at Luzira prison for allegedly being behind the burning to death of two foreign tourists and their Ugandan guide in Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Mr Abdul Rashid Kyoto, also known by aliases Njovu and Tembo, was charged with three counts of murder, two counts of terrorism, three counts of aggravated robbery and one count of belonging to a terrorist group.
Since the charges are capital in nature and only triable by the High Court, the suspected ADF rebel was not allowed to take a plea.
Mr Kyoto,31, appeared before Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court presided over by Elias Kakooza who remanded him until November 20.
“You are here for purposes of communicating to you the charges. However, this court lacks the jurisdiction to entertain your plea. In the meantime, you are hereby remanded,” Mr Kakooza held.
Prosecutors Thomas Jatiko and Lilian Omara told the court yesterday that investigations into the matter were still ongoing.
Under the charge of terrorism, Mr Kyoto is accused of carrying out acts of violence aimed at causing the death of Barlow David James, Geyer Emmarentia Cecilia, and Eric Alyai, all civilians who were not engaged in armed conflict.
The State said the attackers aimed at influencing the government or intimidating the public or section of the public without due regard to the safety of others or their property.
On the same charge of terrorism, Mr Kyoto is accused of causing serious damage to a cruiser tourist vehicle, among others.
About Njovu
Mr Abdul Rashid Kyoto, alias Njovu, was , according to the State, the commander of the Allied Democratic Force rebel group. He was a resident of Doman camp, Mwalika in DR Congo and formerly a resident of Suni Village in Budaka District, and was arrested by security agencies.
According to a press statement issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions yesterday, Mr Kyoto was arrested in an operation by the army on Lake Edward.
Two of Mr Kyoto’s associates were shot dead while others escaped in a boat during the operation. They are associated with the October 17 attack where suspected ADF rebels killed two foreign tourists on honeymoon and their Uganda guide in Queen Elizabeth National Park in Kasese District.
The tourists were travelling under Gorilla and Wildlife Safaris, a local tour company.
