UPDF very strong with no cracks, says Gen. Katumba

By Chris Ocowun                                      

The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala has assured Ugandans of peace and security despite the lull in the hunt for LRA rebels in Central African Republic (CAR) and South Sudan.

Katumba said UPDF will ensure no back-slide in guaranteeing security to the people.

He said UPDF has not withdrawn from CAR or given up on the hunt for the LRA rebels adding that the operation is still on but at a low pace.

“We all know that under Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, Kony was defeated and that he will not be able to make trouble again in Uganda. Kony will remain a nuisance to the populations where he is but will never be able to come back,” he asserted.

The CDF stated that UPDF troops in CAR and parts of South Sudan are in concentrated positions as the diplomatic efforts are being pursued to ensure that Seleka, UPDF and whatever the government in Bangui understands the need to get rid of LRA rebels.

Katumba re-assured the public that UPDF will not be shaken by the changes but instead grow stronger re-assuring Ugandans that UPDF is still very strong with no cracks and divisions. He said UPDF has grown and situations changed.

“Don’t get excited, fear and have sleepless nights because of the utterances made by some individuals. The country is firm and security is guaranteed and people should go about with their normal business without any fears or anxiety,” Katumba assured.

He said UPDF made big progress in the fight against the LRA rebels in CAR and parts of South Sudan where they are hiding.

“We are still operating in CAR, we are not leaving yet despite the development in CAR; of course the development in CAR had a set-back on our operations because the government of Bangui which had signed to the agreement of the regional task force to hunt Kony was overthrown in March by the Seleka rebels,” the CDF said.

Katumba who was presiding over the handover of UPDF 4th division command in Gulu by Maj. Gen. Wilson to Col. Emmanuel Kanyesige on Thursday explained that the African Union pronounced itself that they don’t recognize Seleka government, but added that UPDF will not fight the Seleka government since it’s not part of their mandate in CAR.

“The African Union has made it clear that the hunt for LRA leadership is a regional effort that should not be frustrated much as Seleka government is not a party to the original understanding,”

“They should not interfere with the process of hunting for LRA rebels. There has been a lull in the hunt for the LRA because we wanted to be sure and did not want to continue with the mobile operations with our squads without understanding how Seleka government is to play to the game,” Katumba explained.

The CDF said that with the change of command and leadership, UPDF will move to its next phase of growth through strong relation with the civilian population. “That one is something we shall always value and don’t take for granted,” Katumba noted.

He re-assured Ugandans that what appeared in the media recently should not cause fear and anxiety saying that the individuals who made such utterances can explain why they make such utterances.

Katumba noted that UPDF will not be derailed but remain focused to ensure security. He advised people in northern Uganda to remain focused and hard-working in their gardens since there is peace.

The CDF stated that as guns go silent, UPDF will also need land for production saying that UPDF wants to lead in production and not just sit and wait for wars which will never come.

Katumba told the local leaders in the north that all the veterans who were taken to Somalia to fight the rebels were paid adding that they should invest the money in productive ventures.

Maj. Gen. Mbadi was promoted and appointed the Joint Chief of Staff handed over to Col Kanyesige who was formerly the UPDF 5th division operations and training officer.

Gulu Resident District Commissioner (RDC), James Kidega Nabinson applauded the UPDF as the most respected army in Africa. He said Maj. Gen. Mbadi respected the civilian authority and worked together with his juniors well. Kidega appealed to Katumba to set up a UPDF detach at Elegu, Uganda-Sudan border for security.

The handover ceremony was witnessed by the Commander of Land Forces, Maj. Gen. David Muhoozi, 5th Division commander, Brig. John Loroti and Col. Fearless Obwoya among others officers.