Brigadier General Felix Busizoori, Commander of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) 4th Infantry Division, has strongly refuted alarming social media rumors about Karuma Bridge, labeling claims of “400 human sacrifices” as baseless propaganda.
Speaking at a press conference held at the 4th Division Headquarters in Gulu City on November 20, 2024, Brig Gen Busizoori assured the public that such allegations are entirely fabricated. “This is 100 percent false,” he emphasized, adding that efforts are underway to apprehend and prosecute individuals behind this disinformation.
The rumors have caused widespread panic, affecting schoolchildren, farmers, business owners, and travelers in Northern Uganda. Brig Gen Busizoori suggested that these rumors are politically motivated, intended to tarnish the government’s reputation as the campaign season nears. “The aim is to scare the masses and make the government appear unpopular,” he explained.
The Regional Police Commander, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Samuel Asiimwe, also dismissed related claims, including reports of widespread violence. He clarified that only one isolated murder case in Amuru District has been reported. “If they were interested in the head, they would have cut it off and taken it. That wasn’t the case,” he said.
Social media users have been sharing unrelated, graphic images from West Africa, fueling panic in the region. SSP Asiimwe urged responsible use of smartphones to prevent the spread of falsehoods.
Security forces maintain that there is no cause for alarm, with measures in place to ensure public safety. Citizens are encouraged to remain calm as investigations continue. “The rumors are harming livelihoods and making people afraid to tend to their gardens,” Brig Gen Busizoori noted.
Authorities assure the public of stability and call on all individuals to verify information before sharing it.