UPDF captures LRA commander

By Raymond Mujuni

The UPDF Contingent of the African Union Regional Task Force (AURTF) in Central African Republic has captured an LRA Commander.
 
Lt. Charles Okello, a commander of the LRA was captured Monday in Central African Republic.
 
The battle took place 20km West of Bakuma which is about 500km West of Obo, UPDF’s tactical base. The force  also rescued ten abductees including seven children. Three guns, one Walkie Talkie radio and dozens of loose ammunition.
 
Earlier in the week, another LRA Commander 2Lt James Onen surrendered to a UPDF detach at Zombo in Arua. Onen also confessed that 3 of his colleagues with their guns defected and went straight to their homes in Arua.
 
The AURTF Force Commander Brig Sam Kavuma said “…..rescuing abducted children is the Easter Gift we give to their parents.  We will not relent until Kony is captured and all children rescued”.
 
The AURTF is mandated by the African Union to restore peace and stability in the Central African Republic. Uganda, together with DRC and Central African Republic constitute the Regional Task Force
 
UPDF spokesperson Paddy Ankunda confirmed the development.

The Lord’s Resistance army has been consistently weakened by the UPDF to a small force of 250 soldiers from its original 2000 fighters. LRA leader Joseph Kony however remains elusive.