The Sudanese People's Liberation Army (SPLA) have renewed their offensive against residents in Moyo District.

This time, the attack by seven SPLA fighters occurred as they were allegedly hunting for Mr Thomas Olima, whom they accuse of spying on the Sudan administration. They had earlier arrested Mr Olima and tortured him but he managed to escape back to Uganda.

Mr Olima was reportedly carrying out research work for Goodball Institute based in Entebbe. The soldiers armed with guns and sticks invaded Gmberi village, Pamujo Parish, Metu Sub-county on Friday. When the search for Mr Olima turned fruitless, the soldiers held five of his family members and one official from the National Forestry Authority including two Police constables hostage for over four hours.

In June, SPLA soldiers attacked farmers in Moyo and fired bullets in the air, injuring four children, who were keeping watch on their crops, in the process.

A supervisor with Goodball Organisation, Mr Odrale Kalama, said they are supporting NFA to protect chimpanzees for tourist attraction. "We are here visiting the forest to see if the chimpanzees have old nest, seeing the animals, their foot marks and the vegetation type on Mount Otze," Mr Odrale said, adding: "But our work is being interrupted by SPLA soldiers."

The attack comes at a time when the district has received over 20 mobile Police patrol, to ensure security at the various border posts. Efforts to get a comment from Southern Sudan Consul, Mr Ciec Mayor, proved futile as his phone was switched off.

The district Police Commander, Mr Ojok Anthony, confirmed the incident, saying the Police would continue to protect the civilians. "We shall not allow such incidences to continue because we believe in good relationship with the Sudanese," he said. This renewed attack puts reconciliation efforts by the district leaders with Sudanese officials in jeopardy.