Dennis Ojwee
23 August 2002
OVER 200 people from Pader district have fled to Kotido district in Karamoja in fear of incursions by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) rebels since mid-June.
The Pader district council chairman, Edwin Yakobo Komakech, told journalists in Gulu on Monday that the people crossed into Kotido following recurrent attacks on civilians in internally displaced persons camps (IDPs), trading centres and road ambushes over the past three months.
The Kony rebels over three weeks ago killed nearly 100 refugees at the Achol-pii refugee camp and left about 30,000 people homeless while thousands of others have fled to Corner Racoko, Lira and Masindi districts.
The rebels have also attacked Kalongo and Patongo, killing civilians and UPDF soldiers. They have also looted items including food stuffs since June.
The UPDF set up its 5th Division in Pader about a fortnight ago to launch an anti-Kony offensive.
President Yoweri Museveni has since July 26, pitched camp in Gulu barracks to reorganise the UPDF and re-inforce the anti-Kony Operation Iron Fist offensive.
Last month, over 300 Acholi fled to Pakwach township in Nebbi district, following LRA attacks on Anaka, Purongo and Guruguru camps and left thousands of people homeless and without food, shelter, water and essential necessities.
Thousands of Acholi have also crossed to Karuma and other towns in Masindi district following the rampant LRA attacks on Gulu camps for the internally displaced persons. Ends
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