UPDF Major Held Over Kasese Raid

By John Thawite A UPDF major, Patrick Muhindo, is being held in connection with the Saturday night surprise ADF rebel attack on Kasese town. The acting commander of the Mbarara-based 2nd Division, Lt. Col. Tumusiime Nyakaitana, and the District Police Commander, Pius Mutabazi, said the major was arrested on Sunday. "As a consequence of many fingers pointing at Maj. Muhindo, he is being held. He could help us in knowing the people behind the attack," Nyakaitana said yesterday. He said the accusations started on Sunday. "In the past, we have had no problems with him," he said. He said Muhindo was not attached to any UPDF unit at the time of his arrest because he was in the process of retiring. "His retirement was already being processed by the Chief of Personnel and Administration," Nyakaitana said. At least 11 people were killed and 52 vehicles burnt in the attack. President Museveni yesterday condemned the attack, describing it as "senseless and barbaric." His press secretary Hope Kivengere said in a statement, "The President revealed that according to intelligence sources, the attackers are not from the ADF terrorist group but may instead be linked to some local politicians who want to cause chaos after the recent election." Museveni, the UPDF's commander-in-chief, said those behind the attack would be brought to book. He expressed condolences to the bereaved families and all Kasese people. Muhindo's Corona UAB 582L was among the vehicles burnt. Also burnt was Busongora North MP Joseph Muranga's Suzuki 504 UDA. The thugs also shot and seriously wounded four people including Dr. Kalimba and his wife Justine, owners of Afya Camille dispensary on Margarita Street. Justine's left hip joint was shattered with a bullet. Ends