Ugandan army deploys heavily at borders ahead of peace deal signing
Posted by African Press International on March 29, 2008
Published by Korir, API africanpress@getmail.no source.apa
The soldiers of the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) have been heavily deployed along the borders Uganda shares with Sudan (north) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (east) ahead of the anticipated signing of the northern Uganda comprehensive peace agreement next 5th April, APA learnt Friday from the spokesperson of the UPDF 4th Division, Captain Ronald Kakurungu.
Captain Ronald Kakurungu averred in an interview that the deployment was prompted by reports that some fighters of the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) who are not interested in the peace process will attempt to re-enter Uganda.
The deployment is to seal the border and to ensure a smooth transition period, he said.
Captain Kakurungu pointed out that if some elements of the LRA fail to comply with the terms of the peace deal, the government of Uganda will carry out a joint operation with the countries in which the rebels are based, to root them out by military means.
The LRA have bases in Sudan, the DRC and the Central African Republic.
There are reports in Uganda that the South African government is planning to send its troops to northern Uganda ahead of the signing of the peace pact.
However, Defense State Minister Ruth Nankabirwa said the reports are baseless. South Africa will probably send members to the African Union Observer Mission to help in implementing the peace agreement, she stressed.
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African Press International – API
