MP Kipoi detained in DR Congo

Nov 04, 2013

UGANDAN security agencies are investigating reports that MP Tony Kipoi has been captured in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

By Vision Reporters

UGANDAN security agencies are investigating reports that MP Tony Kipoi has been captured in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

An intelligence source yesterday said they were in touch with their counterparts in Mahagi where the Bubulo West legislator, also known as Nsubuga, remains detained since Friday.

Facing a number of charges, including treason, Kipoi is said to have been captured in Fataki about 35 kilometres from Mahagi. 

He was apprehended on Thursday two days after FARDC, the Congolese national army, raided a camp used by a suspicious group carrying out military training in Ituri.

Ituri is one of the most unstable regions of Congo. At least 40 armed groups operate in the region.

Until now, the ADF, an Islamist rebel group and Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army were the only known Ugandan rebels in the area. 

Quoting Congolese counterparts, security sources said about 100 armed men, some fresh recruits had been using the camp in Ngote and Nyoka before the raid on Tuesday.

A total of 12 men were captured by FARDC, while others, some injured, are said to have scattered in the thick forests. 

According to Ugandan security, the group captured on Tuesday, in their statement at Mahagi police station, reported Kipoi’s presence at the camp at the time they were attacked. 

The detainees reportedly said they belonged to the “Red Army” whose top command includes Kipoi.

“We have not known the number of fatalities, but we learnt that many fled during the attack, abandoning arms. In fact, Kipoi was wandering in the forests at the time of his capture,” said the source.

Defence spokesman Lt. Col. Paddy Ankunda and his police counterpart Judith Nabakooba last evening said they had not received any information about Kipoi.

City lawyer Caleb Alaka, on Saturday said he did not know his client’s whereabouts.

Kipoi and seven others, including soldiers were in July committed to the High Court over treason. Prosecution alleges that the group crafted a plot to overthrow the Government.

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