Uganda: September 4, 2002

Archives

Elaborating on earlier reports, Ugandan Army Battalion 35 and 19 were pulled out of the DRCongo by 31 August to strengthen the offensive against the LRA in northern Uganda. It took four days for aircraft to ferry Battalion 35 from Gbadolite in eastern DR Congo to the 4th Infantry Division at Gulu.

The Beni-based 19 battalion left by road through the Kasindi border post, joining the 2nd Division in Kyambura and replacing battalions already transferred to the 4th Division. These shifts are meant to strengthen the newly created 5th Division, under the command of Colonel John Mugume and headquartered at Corner Kilak (in Pader District). The 4th Division will remain on the offensive against the LRA while the 5th Division will occupy areas where the rebels had bases or supply routes.

On 2 September, the Ugandan Army accused the Lords Resistance Army of abducting 23 youths at a 31 August rally at Pabo (15 miles from Gulu). So much for the unilateral ceasefire declared by the rebels at midnight 24 August. - Adam Geibel