UPDF seize arms in Mbale

By Eric Lakidi THE Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) has captured arms and ammunition from thugs, gun-traffickers and Karimojong warriors in Mbale over the last month, Maj. Phinehas Katirima, the Army spokesman said in a statement, yesterday. He said the arms captured by UPDF 3rd Division included nine SMGs and one Uzi gun. He said some of the guns were recovered from army deserters. Katirima said the Army also recovered ammunition including stick grenades. "This is a tremendous effort by the UPDF 3rd Division in Mbale to defeat insurgency and in the maintenance of peace and security in the country," Katirima said. He said two UPDF soldiers were shot and wounded by the Pian Karimojong warriors in an operation to recover cows raided from Nabilatuk. Katirima also said the UPDF soldiers of the 4th Division in Gulu district in October captured six SMG guns and killed three rebels in Gulu, Kitgum, Apac and Lira and West Nile. Katirima said six rebels surrendered to the UPDF. He said the Army also captured four deserters and five rebel collaborators. Katirima also disclosed that the UPDF rescued 33 captives from the Lord's Resistance Army rebels and seized 15 grenades. Ends.