Zombo Barracks Raid: Rebel Leader Named; Security Tightened at Rwandan Businessman’s Factory

On the night of Friday, March 6, 2020, Zombo Military Barracks in West Nile, Uganda, came under a surprise attack.

Such attacks at UPDF posts are rare considering that assailants are usually met with deadly firepower.

The military detach exists to secure some parts of West Nile from wrong elements especially from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The attackers, dressed in civilian attire, did not seem to pose a threat as they approached the military facility.

Armed with rudimentary weapons including bow and arrows, pangas and spears, about 80 warriors stormed the barracks, touching off a deadly battle.

The fighters, who were said to be quick as they tried to sweep through the detachment, hacked three soldiers.

In the ensuing fight, which deputy defence spokesperson Lt Col Deo Akiiki described as “adventurous”, many soldiers were injured by arrows.

17 assailants were killed in combat action while 26 were captured, some with bullets injuries before being handed over to military investigators.

22 civilians were killed in the fighting while five guns were stolen.

The attackers torched huts at the detach before fleeing to DRC. In a hot pursuit of the militants at Ajeri hills, two soldiers were gunned down.

ChimpReports has learned that the attackers who were apprehended by authorities were recently transferred to Kampala for interrogation.

It is now understood that they identified Openji Openjuru as their supreme leader.

Openjuru, who uses the alias Openjuru Jakernga Howard, studied mechanical engineering in United Kingdom.

He recently urged foreigners to “to leave Uganda immediately,” adding, “Uganda has had enough of Museveni’s dictatorship rule. Enough of his manipulation. Force will apply.”

Openjuru, who lives in London, UK, does not appear to have any military background.

Lt Col Deo Akiiki said Openjuru is working closely with a UPDF Veteran known as Corporal Bosco Tonifa and several others.

The exact strengths of the movement remains unclear.

Local leaders whom ChimpReports spoke to but preferred anonymity as this is a security matter, said they are worried of future attacks.

They said the secretive nature and determination of the rebel movement’s operations has sent shockwaves across West Nile.

Others say the incident could be a precursor to a planned attempt to attack Meridian Tobacco factory owned by Rwandan businessman Tribert Rujugiro Ayabatwa.

President Kagame says Rujugiro’s business in Uganda “bankrolls groups that seek to destabilize Rwanda,” a claim the businessman denies.

Mr Rujugiro, a very wealthy man, runs the multi-million dollar Meridian Tobacco Company operation which opened in Arua a few years ago.

The plant, whose security has been tightened, is a subsidiary of Pan-African Tobacco group, the manufacturers of Supermatch cigarettes, employing thousands of people in West Nile.

“Many plans aimed at torching the factory have been foiled by security services,” said a local leader in Arua.

“These militias roaming around seek to destabilize this region which is attracting investors targeting markets in Uganda, South Sudan and DRC.”

In a recent post, Openjuru, describes himself as a Ugandan, Alur, Umua by clan, direct grandson of Nyipir, grandson to Jalusiga.

He says he grew up in Paidha and attended Paidha demonstration school for primary, St. Aloysius College Nyapea for O’Levels, Progress SS Bweyogerere for A’Levels, University of Plymouth for his undergraduate degree and University of Bristol for Master’s Degree.

He also attended courses at the University of Western England.

“I am a professional engineer who can design and manufacture all sorts of things,” he says, adding, “It is time to make Uganda go in the right direction. Remove the quota pin with the hammer because it gets in with the hammer. Ugandan resources for all Ugandans. Museveni has manipulated and looted Uganda enough. Time to remove Museveni and the gang members and get our wealth back. If you fear please hide and take refuge somewhere safe. It is not for the faint hearted.”

According to Lt Col Deo Akiiki, many of the attackers fled to DRC where they are being pursued.

“Our forces in collaboration with Congolese forces are and authorities are still pursuing those who went to Congo. Some have been arrested,” said Akiiki.