Katamba G. Mohammed
19 July 2002
Members of Parliament yesterday questioned Sudan's sincerity in permitting Ugandan forces to fight Joseph Kony at its territory.
The MPs on the committee on Defence and Internal Affairs said the current situation in northern Uganda is worse than when Kony and the UPDF were fighting in Uganda.
Udongo Pacuto (Nebbi) suggested that Parliament advises the army to leave Sudan immediately and protect people in Uganda. The MPs also questioned whether Sudan was also allowed to enter Uganda to fight the Sudanese Peoples Liberation Army (SPLA).
Benedict Etonu (Amuria) said: "It's like Sudan lured us to get killed. After crossing over to Sudan, the situation is getting worse. I am doubting Sudan's genuineness in this deal."
Former army spokesman Lt. Col. Phinehas Katirima (UPDF) had earlier told the committee that the army is now better in all aspects.
Committee chairman Simon Mayende (Samia Bugwe South) said at one time, Kony was held in a garrison in southern Sudan but later released instead of arresting him and handing him over to Uganda.
He said the terrain in southern Sudan needs infantry but not the heavy artillery that was taken.
The MPs questioned whether any provisions were made for the rough terrain in southern Sudan, which has been blamed for UPDF's ineffectiveness.
Members were also concerned about the role of military intelligence and the army in the north considering that they can tell the number of rebels who cross from either side and the spots where they cross from without doing anything.
Alex Onzima (Maracha) however blamed government for the Kony and said the UPDF does not trust local informers.
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