Anne Mugisa
18 July 2008
Kampala — THE Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) is regrouping in Eastern Congo, carrying out recruitments and acquiring arms, according to the Ugandan army.
The army stated that the rebel group has not yet entered western Uganda, but added they are confident they can deal with any incursions.
The acting army spokesperson, Capt. Chris Magezi, said the onus to disarm the ADF is on the Congolese government, as well as the UN mission.
The UPDF spokesperson for Western Uganda, Capt. Tabaaro Kiconco, allayed fears that the ADF had infiltrated Kasese and Bundibugyo districts, stating that they were still within the DR Congo.
"There is no ADF in Uganda," Capt. Kiconco said.
"But the ADF is moving freely in the DRC. They are recruiting and acquiring weapons from the Congolese militia. MONUC (the UN mission in DR Congo) has not acted to disable their plans, but we are watching."
Kiconco said the UPDF has enough troops on the ground to deal with any incursions, and stated that the army's surveillance is strong.
He also said that the DRC is trying to formulate an amnesty law for the benefit of armed groups. The army would accept it if Ugandan dissidents, who applied for amnesty under the suggested Congolese arrangement, are repatriated to Uganda.
The UPDF believes that the border is open enough to allow trade and cultural exchange, but tight enough to deal with armed aggression.
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