By Simon Masaba  
              
Security agencies have launched investigations into an attack on Mbuya army Barracks.

Unknown gunmen in a daring raid on Monday morning attacked the Mbuya army barracks in a city suburb, engaging the soldiers in a fire exchange.

The incident left one of the attackers dead, according to the defence/UPDF spokesperson, Col. Felix Kulayigye.

"Our ever alert troops reacted in time killing one and arrested another.  The rest simply fled in disarray.  Police later retrieved the corpse.  The intention of these thugs is not yet clear but Police and other Security agencies are carrying out investigations to establish their motive," Kulayigye said.  

He said that one of the attackers was nabbed.  But no details about his identity were given.

Security sources said at least five people were being held in connection with the incident.  

Kulayigye did not give the number of the thugs involved in the attack, but Police sources said the attack was carried out by over 30 thugs, armed with automatic rifles. The motive still remains unknown.

He explained that a group of thugs attempted to snatch an assault rifle from one of the sentries, to the North East of the Barracks.

"The public will be informed of the outcome of the investigations as soon as they are concluded. Anyone with information in this regard is encouraged to share it with the UPDF; it will be treated with utmost confidence.   The public is asked to remain calm.  UPDF, as usual will do whatever it takes to ensure the prevailing peace is not disturbed," the statement concluded.

Sources told New Vision that the gunmen appears to have attacked  in five groups, each engaging soldiers at the barracks, forcing their way in only to be beaten back after the army responded with superior fire power, prompting several of the attackers to flee.

 "This was hard for the attackers because the barracks is fenced and well-guarded," a security operative said.

Among other things, the military facility has offices, a fueling station and a clinic.

It is suspected that many of the attackers could have fled with gunshot wounds, sustained in the fire exchange that lasted close to 30 minutes, puncturing the tranquil of the night.

Area residents that the New Vision talked to spoke of heavy gun fire.