Chimpreports.com-Uganda News: EXCLUSIVE: Gen. Aronda Rushes To Western Uganda As ADF Rebels Cross Border

EXCLUSIVE: Gen. Aronda Rushes To Western Uganda As ADF Rebels Cross Border
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Linda Namara on 08/05/2012 02:52:00

Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Aronda Nyakairima last Thursday rushed to western
Uganda following complaints from residents in Ntoroko and Kabarole district that
ADF rebels had crossed the border.

Nyakairima traveled to Ntoroko on a fact finding mission on the request of woman
MP Jennifer Mujungu.
The legislator had earlier told Aronda that locals were complaining of
harassment by the ADF rebels.
The locals said ADF was near the border of Uganda and Democratic Republic of
Congo and were scared of a possible attack.
The frightened residents further told Mujungu that suspected ADF insurgents were
seen in Bukuku sub-county, Kabarole in March where they robbed food stuffs from
the area.
The residents’ panic came after Democratic Republic of Congo withdrew its
forces from the border between Uganda and DR Congo recently thus giving room for
ADF to team up with the Congolese Ngite militias to attack Uganda.
The locals said ADF rebels were terrorizing and attacking market vendors at
Nyahuka market, Busunga in Bubandi sub-county, Bundibugyo district and Jiapande
market in Ituri province of DRC.
Addressing a stakeholders meeting at Rwebisengo town council, in Ntoroko
district on Thursday, Aronda said the people of Rwenzori region should
concentrate on development rather than cheap talk of the insecurity in the
region.
The army commander further said UPDF’s mandate is to protect Ugandans and
their property and will do whatever it takes to defend them from any possible
insurgency.
“When you listen to politicians talking about security matters, you think that
war is coming tomorrow. I want to assure you that Uganda is peaceful, no threats
of impending attack of any rebel group and the UPDF have the capacity of
handling any insurgency,” he said.
Aronda said he was inspecting the western region from Kisoro to Bundibugyo to
ascertain the security issue and how UPDF is relating to the local communities.
The CDF explained that security issues are also development issues.
“I am aware that when the country is insecure, no development can take place.
My advice is that you embrace government programs and develop your homes. We
will handle the security bit and no one will ever distract you,” he assured.
RESIDENTS’ COMPLAINT
Steady Nyakojo, one of the residents, tasked Aronda to explain why DRC withdrew
its forces from the border.
In response, the CDF said Uganda is striving hard to live in harmony with her
neighbors, a reason why UPDF is giving a hand in war torn countries like
Somalia.
He disclosed that during Idi Amini’s reign of terror, Tanzania assisted
liberation forces to defeat the dictator’s tyranny.
“We must be helpful to neighbors because when they are okay, Uganda is also
peaceful,” he said.