Photo: NewsofRwanda

Over 700 refugees have crossed to Rwanda following renewed fighting in DR Congo

The Uganda People's Defense Forces will not cross the border into Congo to pursue the ADF unless the Congo Government has given them permission, Army Spokesperson Lt. Col. Paddy Ankunda revealed Friday.

The ADF Thursday night attacked parts of eastern Congo leading to an influx of refugees in the western district of Bundibugyo in Uganda. Ankunda said Uganda would pursue them if "there is need" and if the Congo Government has given them permission.

Ankunda told journalists Friday at the Army Headquarters in Mbuya that their reports indicated about 3000 refugees had so far crossed the border and are in Uganda.

Ugandan army UPDF ready for action if needed.

He said they have had to screen them in case sects of the ADF infiltrate into the country disguised as refugees.

By yesterday morning (Friday), he said the UN Higher Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), mandated to offer assistance to refugees, hadn't yet touched base but hoped they would by the end of the day (Friday).

"We appeal to Government and other humanitarian groups to come in and offer assistance so we can focus on the security," said Ankunda.

"The ADF threat is real. We are aware they have various camps. And that they are linked to the Alshabab (from Somalia) and are planning on using bombs that can hurt our people. So we are intensifying our operations around the boarder."

Ankunda, however, said the UPDF would not seek any unilateral approach to pursue to ADF in the Congo forests. If the situation necessitates, they shall first seek permission from the Congo Government, he said.

He said they are on ground and are monitoring the situation. "We know our boarders are porous and that the ADF can easily infiltrate into the country so we are vigilant, we have put up some measures."

The Army spokesperson also appealed to the public to be vigilant and to report any one or any object that may look suspicious.

Elsewhere, he said AMISOM mission in Somalia was progressing well; that the "Alshabab were losing the will of battle" and hopefully they won't have any setbacks.

Even the disarmament exercise in Karamoja, Ankunda added was going on very well, and that the land was peaceful. "Unlike before, now it is hard to get a gun. You will need over a million shillings to buy a gun in Karamoja."