Lynn Musitwa
2 April 2004
Kampala — Security agencies have repeated a request to have Father Carlos Rodriquez deported.
Army spokesman, Maj. Shaban Bantariza revealed this to reporters at the weekly government media briefing in Nakasero yesterday.
He said the Gulu District Security Committee made the recommendation to the National Security Council.
"We want him away because he is involved in stocking up drugs, supplying radios and airtime to the rebels," Bantariza said.
The spokesman said that if not deported, Fr. Carlos should leave Gulu.
"He can go and share a roof with the Archbishop of Uganda but we don't want him in Gulu," the spokesman said.
He accused Carlos of involvement in activities that are incompatible with his religious and diplomatic status as a missionary.
A member of the Acholi Religious Leaders Peace Initiative, Fr. Carlos has come under scrutiny by government for his independent views about the war.
He has also tried to initiate peace talks between government and the rebels before, but Bantariza scorned those efforts yesterday.
"He wants us to talk peace with Kony who is unwilling; let him go to Spain and initiate peace talks maybe he will be successful for some time," the army spokesman said.
Fr Carlos declined to comment when contacted yesterday.
This is the second time that security agencies have called for Fr. Carlos' deportation this year.
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