Kampala — THE Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) are on high alert following the deteriorating security situation on the Uganda, DR Congo (DRC) and Rwanda border.

State minister for defence Ruth Nankabirwa yesterday said security there was being closely monitored and that the UPDF was preparing for 'any eventuality.'

"The UPDF is prepared to defend the national interests if necessary. The situation on the border is our concern. The security in the neighbouring countries can turn out to be our security threat. We want the DRC to have peace," she said.

The situation at the DR Congo - Rwanda border remains tense after the two countries deployed in the northeastern town of Bakavu.

The deployment, in turn, followed the seizure of a town in DR Congo by renegade officers Col Laurent Nkunda and Col. Jules Mutebusi.

Nankabirwa, who was addressing the Government press briefing at Nakasero, said the UPDF had not deployed in the DR Congo but insisted that the force would not "take chances on very sensitive matters."

"We shall not turn a blind eye and a deaf ear about our security," she said.

Nankabirwa added, "We hope that the interim government in the DR Congo will take charge of the situation."

She refuted reports that Nkunda had fled to Uganda.

Nankabirwa said UPDF officers who intend to stand for elections should resign from the army.

"The law no longer allows UPDF officers to engage in active politics. Those who want to engage in politics will take the example of President Yoweri Museveni before they engage in partisan politics," Nankabirwa said.

Buturo said the Government would not be derailed by opposition parties, which refused to sign a pact with the Government.

The Minister of State for Information, Dr. James Buturo and Luweero Triangle state minister Prof. Ssemakula Kiwanuka attended the briefing.