Kenya government worried over armed LDUs in Teso region

Nov 01, 2000

THE Kenya government has expressed concern over the recent arming of local defence units (LDU) personnel in Teso, eastern Uganda, reports Nathan Etengu.

THE Kenya government has expressed concern over the recent arming of local defence units (LDU) personnel in Teso, eastern Uganda, reports Nathan Etengu. A 31-man Kenya team to a border conference in Mbale expressed fear that the Teso LDUs may spill their activities into the Teso district of Kenya. The Kenyans, led by the Western Provincial Commissioner, Zachary Ogongo, was assured that the area where the armed LDUs operate was far from the border. The meeting, held at Mt. Elgon Hotel, Mbale on Monday, also expressed worry over the operations of the Kenya Police Reserve. The Kenyans also said they were concerned over the recent cache of empty cartridges seized at Malaba customs post. The Kenyans, who included Brigadier M.S. Chuma from the department of Defence, said the cartridges could be used for making ammunition. The meeting recommended the simultaneous disarmament of the armed communities across the border. It also recommended that sensitisation of the armed communities be intensified. It was observed that theft of livestock along Mt. Elgon and Kitale borders was a major problem. Delegates said the sale of illegal firearms in the region was escalating cattle rustling. Ends.

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