31 January 2002
OXFAM HAS called for an arms embargo on countries directly involved in the Congo conflict including Uganda and Rwanda.
At the same time donors are concerned that Uganda wants to raise defence spending to over 2.0 per cent of Gross Domestic Product.
Oxfam's still believes that Uganda is in the Congo to exercise control over its mineral resources. Ugandan business people did purchase gold and diamonds from Congo in the past but this activity has dropped dramatically as the UPDF has pulled out of almost all its positions in Congo. Even the two remaining battalions are likely to leave this year.
Oxfam wonders why then Uganda needs to beef up its military expenditure. This is naïve.
Uganda is an island of relative peace in a sea of insecurity. The Rwanda, Congo, Sudan and Turkana borders all pose serious security problems. If the government cannot provide security in its border areas, the negative economic impact will be immense.
The most obvious example is the Bwindi massacre in 1999. Interhamwe crossed the border and killed eight tourists. The tourism industry has still not recovered.
In Acholi and Bundibugyo hundreds of thousands are still in displaced people's camps because of insecurity emanating from southern Sudan and Congo. This has destroyed agricultural production and caused untold human misery.
Uganda will not achieve accelerated
economic growth without nationwide stability. That means it needs enhanced security at its borders. Therefore the army needs to be strengthened and modernised along with the police.
The donors should also recognise this
reality. Countries like Switzerland and Ireland can have tiny armies because they live in a peaceful environment. Uganda unfortunately does not enjoy that privilege.
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