Court documents revealed that Kyoto Abdul Rashid, a commander in an Islamic State-affiliated rebel group, faced nine charges, including the murder of a honeymooning tourist couple and their Ugandan aide in Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park. Rashid, associated with the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), was apprehended in a recent night-time military operation that resulted in the death of six rebels.
The charge sheet states that Rashid, “with malice aforethought caused the murder” of British national David Barlow, his South African wife Celia Barlow, and their Ugandan aide Eric Ayai. The accusations also include engaging in violent acts with the intent to influence the government or intimidate the public, robbery, and membership in a terrorist organization.
David Barlow and his wife were fatally ambushed in the park on October 17, with their vehicle set ablaze. Rashid was remanded to prison and is scheduled to reappear in court on November 27. The ADF, which pledged allegiance to Islamic State in 2019, originated as a movement opposing the Ugandan government in the early 1990s. After being ousted by the army, the group sought refuge in eastern Congo, where it has continued its operations.
The attack was claimed by Islamic State a day after the ambush occurred.
