PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has asked the minister of works, transport and communications, John Nasasira, to open up and maintain roads in the Acholi districts of Gulu, Kitgum and Pader to ease the movement of the UPDF against the LRA rebels.

Sources in Gulu said yesterday that the president said the army needed all feeder and main roads re-opened to quickly pursue the rebels.

Since pitching camp in Gulu military barracks on July 26, Museveni has reorganised the army against the erratic raids from Joseph Kony's rebels. He has also vowed to stay there until peace is restored.

The president reportedly asked the state minister for higher education, Betty Akech Okullu, and that for water, lands and environment, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, to ensure supply of clean water to the displaced people.

Christine Aporu Amongin, the state minister for disaster preparedness, was told to ensure constant supply of food to the camps in Acholi.

President Museveni reportedly thanked the Gulu LC5 chairman, Lt. Col. Walter Ochora, for opening up many feeder and security roads in the district.

The sources also told The New Vision that the president will hold a meeting with Gulu, Pader and Kitgum district leaders and the relevant ministers next week in Gulu barracks to map out strategies to deal with the security problems in the three districts.