Islamic State militants in Uganda kill 40 people in a school
Approximately 40 people, mainly students, have been killed at a school in western Uganda by rebels connected to the Islamic State group.
A further eight people stay in necessary condition after the raid on Lhubiriha secondary school in Mpondwe.
Boys who were living in dormitories at the school were among the dead. The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) – a Ugandan body based in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – have been accused of Friday’s attack.
Many of the dead bodies were moved to Bwera Hospital, national police representative Fred Enanga said. The attack took place at about 23:30 local time (20:30 GMT) on Friday at the school in the Kasese neighbourhood in western Uganda.
Over 60 people are apprised at the school, most of whom stay there. ADF rebels torched a dormitory, and a food shop was even robbed during the incident, Mr Enanga said.
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Major General Dick Olum from the Ugandan military told the press that a few boys were burnt or hacked to death. He continued that others at the school, mainly girls, have been kidnapped by the group.
Some bodies are reportedly severely burnt, and DNA tests must be conducted to identify them. The attackers are said to have burned the students’ beds and are even thought to have burst bombs in the area.
Members of the wider society are probably among the dead. Several students stay unaccounted for.
The actual number of those who have died is still unclear.
