By James Oloch and Chris Ochowun

TWELVE civilians died and five others were seriously injured when their omnibus was ambushed by the LRA rebels at Labongo-Olungu in Pader district yesterday.

The acting UPDF 601 Battalion commander, Maj. Joseph balikuddembe, yesterday ordered the arrest of over 30 soldiers and a captain, accusing them of negligence of duty, which led to the ambush of the civilian vehicle.

Fifth Division army spokesman Lt. Deo Akiiki said the soldiers would face the court martial if investigations point that their negligence led to the incident. He said investigations were going on.

In a statement yesterday, northern army spokesman Lt. Chris Magezi said about seven rebels under the command of Lt. Col. Okuti ambushed the omnibus no. UAA 156R from Pader to Kitgum between Pader and Paiyula. The vehicle overturned and caught fire.

“These attacks on innocent civilians are the highest form of cowardice, which should be condemned in the strongest possible terms,” he said.

Unconfirmed reports said some passengers were burnt when the vehicle was set ablaze.

Magezi added, “A UPDF force is on hot pursuit and this gang of killers will have to pay for this.

“surprisingly, even when the ICC has been clear on which LRA commanders will be prosecuted, the other smaller commanders like this Okuti have continued to kill civilians.

“This demonstrates the true character and savagery of the LRA.”

The International criminal court (ICC) recently issued a warrant of arrest for five top LRA leaders, including Joseph Kony.

The same Okuti group on Friday ambushed a tipper lorry that was transporting Acholi traditional dancers at Ligiligi village in Agago county in Pader, killing six of them. The dancers were heading to Adilang in Agago.