Time To Finish Kony

JOSEPH KONY and his deputy Vincent Otti have reportedly moved back into a remote part of Kitgum district.This is a blessing in disguise. If the reports are correct, Kony should not be allowed to leave Uganda again.Operation Iron Fist has put immense pressure on the Lords Resistance Army rebels in southern Sudan. They were pinned down in the Imotong Hills and five of their six camps have been occupied by the UPDF.Last week the LRA attempted to ambush three UPDF armoured vehicles and took 67 casualties including Kony’s chief signaller. Kony was apparently not far behind this group.Although Khartoum has indicated that the UPDF can stay as long as necessary in southern Sudan, it is obviously better if Kony can be dealt with inside Uganda. The UPDF is capable of wiping out rebel groups. The ADF is now an insignificant threat in the Ruwenzori where farming and tourism have now resumed.The insurrection in northern Uganda has been going on since 1986. Negotiation worked with the UPDA rebels in 1987 but these were rational ex-army officers. They came out of the bush and joined the NRA. Negotiation with Kony and the LRA failed in 1995. Kony only used the opportunity to regroup, recruit and rearm.Since then, when the LRA is under military pressure, it retreats to the Sudan. When the heat is off, they come back.Now there is a chance to finish Kony for good. Both the Sudan and Uganda should prove too hot for him. Let us hope that the UPDF can conclude this great opportunity.Ends