UPDF recovers ADF arms cache

THE army has seized an assortment of guns and live ammunition in the Rwenzori mountains in an operation led by ex-ADF rebel chief of staff, Chris Tushabe. John B. Thawite reports that the operation was carried out on November 12 by the 13th Battalion at Nyabirongo and commanded by Major Dula Mawa. The cache included Ak47s, 75mm, 82mm, 60mm, and 82mm bombs, mortars, anti-tank mines, over 2,000 bullets, TNT explosive and anti-aircraft guns. Some of the weapons had French, Russian, Yugoslav and Chinese writings on them. Tushabe alias Benz said the arms were unearthed from pits where the ADF buried them in preparation for the 1996 attack on the country through Mpondwe border post in Kasese. "We got these weapons in 1995/96 from Sudan through former Zaire," Benz said on Tuesday. He said the TNT explosives were to have been used in blowing up several bridges, including Katunguru on the Kazinga channel. The New Vision saw the weapons at Nyabirongo where they were displayed. Lt Col Tumusiime Nyakaitana, the second in command of the 2nd Division, said, "We just organised a force under Benz. "Having spend sometime with the army now, I feel confident that the amnesty law is real and I am prepared to work fully to end the ADF war," Benz, 35, said. He appealed to the rebels to surrender, saying he had written several letters to them to inform them of the sincerity of the amnesty. He said those who had surrendered include the former rebel director of military intelligence, Beneficto Rukwebe. Others are commanders Rutaro, Issa Lubega, Asirafu Twatera's second-in charge, Abbey Musisi, a former commander in Kibale and Mubende, Abbey Lumu and Sendi Yokana, the commander of the rebel First Division. Benz said among the high command members still in the bush are Abdala Yusuf Kabanda, the chief director, 40 years, Henry Matovu, 44, alias Birungi, Dr Kyeyune Yemen, who is the finance secretary, 50, Tiger Muhammad Batambuze and 65-year-old Fenehas Kisokeranio. Others are Denesi Rukara alias Umaru, one Kilama, Wanzire Mabina, Mughalasu and Mukandirwa. "This is enough to show Benz is integrated. Ends.