Kampala — THE resettlement progamme for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) has not been halted despite the military operation against the LRA rebels in Garamba forest in the DR.Congo.

Amuru acting resident district commissioner Herbert Ogwal said in a statement last Wednesday that the IDPs were moving back to their villages.

"Its not true that the return and resettlement programme has been halted due to the on going military operation against the LRA rebels in DR.Congo," he stated. "My office is not aware of any halt in the resettlement process as indicated in the press recently."

"The Government has the will and the capacity to protect all citizens of Uganda. There should be no cause of alarm," Ogwal urged.

"The UPDF has decided to follow Kony's rebels to Garamba to ensure that the rebels do not return to disturb the people of northern Uganda," Ogwal said.

He was reacting to recent media reports that the programme in Amuru had been halted because of the offensive against the LRA and people feared that the rebels would cross to uganda.

Ogwal said all security organs were alert and prepared to protect Amuru residents and their property.

He called upon the residents to be calm and continue returning to their villages.

"I would like to warn those spreading such malicious propaganda. They should desist because we shall not allow that to continue," he warned.

"People are tired of messages of doom and provocation. What we want now are messages of hope, restoration and love," Ogwal added.