Kazini Deploys More Troops On Pakwach Road
Sep 11, 2002
Acting army commander Maj. Gen. James Kazini has deployed more troops and equipment on Karuma-Pakwach road, army spokesman Major Bantariza said yesterday.
By Vision Reporters
Acting army commander Maj. Gen. James Kazini has deployed more troops and equipment on Karuma-Pakwach road, army spokesman Major Bantariza said yesterday.
The army has taken similar security measures on Gulu-Karuma, Gulu-Kitgum and Lira Kitgum roads following the recent spate of ambushes by Kony rebels in the region.
Bantariza said, “There are now more troops patrolling the road and the distance between detachments has been shortened. This gives the bandits little chance to ambush vehicles,†he said.
Meanwhile, Kony rebels yesterday ambushed an Arua-bound Nile Coach bus on Karuma-Pakwach road, killing one passenger and injuring two others seriously.
The ambush at Pajok, 15km from Karuma bridge, was the second attack on Nile Coach buses in the same place within one week.
Meanwhile, the UPDF foiled another rebel attack on Maji refugees camp at Airi village, Ciforo sub-county on Gulu-Adjumani road on Monday.
Three rebels were captured by the army during the brief exchange of fire. On Sunday, the rebels attacked Kureku village in Adjumani district.
The RDC Moyo, Ahmed Awongo, said the army responded quickly because army patrols on the road had been beefed up.
The Adjumani assistant RDC, Lawrence Wacukirya, yesterday identified the captured rebels as Francis Loyo, 15, from Atiak, Santa Amony, 15, and Lucy Adong with a two month-baby strapped on her back.
Bantariza said the army had received intelligence information that the rebel leader, Joseph Kony, had ordered his commanders to raise sh1m quickly.
“These ambushes are desperate attempts by Kony commanders to grab cash and property from passengers to raise Kony’s money,†Bantariza said.
He said, “Each commander has been ordered to raise one million shillings or be killed. This means every commander’s life is now worth only one million shillings.â€
In Kitgum, the army on Monday repulsed another rebel attack on Bar-dege, 2km southeast of the town. The rebels, who looted shops and bars, abducted 30 people among them school children.
Shortly after the incident a UPDF soldier attached to the 16th battalion shot and killed a pupil identified as Emmanuel Onen, 13, of Pandwong primary school. The soldiers was arrested.
Kitgum RDC Santo Lapolo Okot said, “A normal UPDF soldier should have known a pupil and a rebel. But he just fired.â€
Ends
Acting army commander Maj. Gen. James Kazini has deployed more troops and equipment on Karuma-Pakwach road, army spokesman Major Bantariza said yesterday.
The army has taken similar security measures on Gulu-Karuma, Gulu-Kitgum and Lira Kitgum roads following the recent spate of ambushes by Kony rebels in the region.
Bantariza said, “There are now more troops patrolling the road and the distance between detachments has been shortened. This gives the bandits little chance to ambush vehicles,†he said.
Meanwhile, Kony rebels yesterday ambushed an Arua-bound Nile Coach bus on Karuma-Pakwach road, killing one passenger and injuring two others seriously.
The ambush at Pajok, 15km from Karuma bridge, was the second attack on Nile Coach buses in the same place within one week.
Meanwhile, the UPDF foiled another rebel attack on Maji refugees camp at Airi village, Ciforo sub-county on Gulu-Adjumani road on Monday.
Three rebels were captured by the army during the brief exchange of fire. On Sunday, the rebels attacked Kureku village in Adjumani district.
The RDC Moyo, Ahmed Awongo, said the army responded quickly because army patrols on the road had been beefed up.
The Adjumani assistant RDC, Lawrence Wacukirya, yesterday identified the captured rebels as Francis Loyo, 15, from Atiak, Santa Amony, 15, and Lucy Adong with a two month-baby strapped on her back.
Bantariza said the army had received intelligence information that the rebel leader, Joseph Kony, had ordered his commanders to raise sh1m quickly.
“These ambushes are desperate attempts by Kony commanders to grab cash and property from passengers to raise Kony’s money,†Bantariza said.
He said, “Each commander has been ordered to raise one million shillings or be killed. This means every commander’s life is now worth only one million shillings.â€
In Kitgum, the army on Monday repulsed another rebel attack on Bar-dege, 2km southeast of the town. The rebels, who looted shops and bars, abducted 30 people among them school children.
Shortly after the incident a UPDF soldier attached to the 16th battalion shot and killed a pupil identified as Emmanuel Onen, 13, of Pandwong primary school. The soldiers was arrested.
Kitgum RDC Santo Lapolo Okot said, “A normal UPDF soldier should have known a pupil and a rebel. But he just fired.â€
Ends