UPDF captures more LRA arms

By Emmy AllioThe UPDF in southern Sudan at the weekend recovered 25 guns from the Lord’s Resistance Army camp at Rubangatek.Army spokesman Maj. Shaban Bantariza yesterday said, “I have been told that 25 guns were recaptured at Rubanga-tek. They could have been in a secret location. “Definitely, more losses of arms means the LRA has now been considerably weakened,” Bantariza said.In another development, military attaches from the British High Commission and the American embassy in Kampala last week visited southern Sudan, diplomatic sources said yesterday.The diplomats were said to have flown to UPDF operation headquarters in Magwii in the company of defence minister Amama Mbabazi. The British American governments, which are playing key roles in reconciling the belligerents in the 18-year-old civil war in Sudan, are said to be brokers of the protocol between Uganda and the Sudan. The protocol, signed on March 10, allows the UPDF to conduct limited operations against LRA in southern Sudan. The latest capture of arms follows the March 29 capture of arms worth about sh3.5b when the UPDF overran Kony’s camps at Lara, Orek, Rwot-kempaco, Rubangatek and Bin-Rwot. Mbabazi at the weekend said the army recovered two anti-aircraft guns from Bin-Rwot after the LRA rebels returned to the camp in search of food.