Top UPDF Probed Over Gun Trade

By Albert Ayiga OndogaIn Nebbi THE Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) are investigating one of it’s senior army officers over gun trafficking from Sudan to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a security source has said.Recently, Ugandan security personnel intercepted a consignment of an unspecified number of guns and ammunition in Paidha, Nebbi district. The booty was reportedly in transit to the DR Congo from Sudan. The source said the officer is said to have received a telephone call from some Congolese gun traffickers and on the night of June 5, the officer is said to have gone to inspect the loading of the consignment onto a pick-up truck in Paidha town.The security source said the top officer escaped before the truck was intercepted in an operation by the army and the Police in front of the house of a prominent businessman of Paidha town council.The operation was commanded by the Arua-based 505 Brigade Intelligence Officer, Capt. Edward Tahunga.When asked who the officer was, Tahunga said, “I can’t reveal to you the name because our investigation is still going on. We shall tell you the name when we have finished investigating.”“Some information is that one of our top officers was involved in the gun trafficking but we are yet to confirm. Then appropriate steps shall be taken on the officer,” he added.The source said the officer had been summoned to the army headquarters in Bombo for further interrogation.“It’s not true that he was called to face the high command (chaired by President Yoweri Museveni) on charges of gun trafficking but he could be called for other issues. If at all he is involved, he will face them at a later stage because our investigation are still on,” Tahunga said.Those arrested in connection with the gun trafficking are Ayubu Hitler, an ex-soldier who is said to be the main dealer and Rashid Candiga, whose vehicle was used for transporting the guns.Security sources said the guns were believed to be from the UNRF II coming from Sudan and destined for Mpandruma in the DR Congo.Ends