UPDF spokesman, Col. Felix Kulayigye
“It’s true we have increased our alertness in the area because they (ADF rebels) are a threat to the population but not government,” he said. However, military sources said UPDF had increased deployments in Kasese District, adding that Kasese Airfield was being prepared for air force operations in case of any eventuality.
‘Mukulu’s family arrested’
There are also reports from security agencies that the son, daughter-in-law and the grandson of Jamil Mukulu, the leader of ADF, were on February 28 arrested by Kenyan security agencies and brought to Uganda through Malaba.
Although Col. Kulayigye said he was not aware of the arrests, he confirmed that the Kenyan intelligence agencies had stormed Mr Mukulu’s house in Nairobi. “He was flashed out of his hideout but he managed to escape to another country,” Col. Kulayigye said.
Security sources said Mukulu’s son, daughter-in law and the grandson were using Yemeni passports. There were also reports in western Uganda that UPDF were about to re-enter DR Congo to attack the ADF as a result of increased troop movements in the area.
But military sources say the movement was as a result of transferring of battalions that had been stationed in area to northern Uganda and the ferrying of those based in Karamoja to western Uganda.
Col. Kulayigye said ADF rebels have training camps in Mwalika, Erigenti, Chucubo and Ndadui and Virunga National Park in DRC. At least 60 people have been arrested, according to Col. Kulayigye, in connection with subversive acts.
But opposition politicians have rejected government rebel claims, saying they are attempts by the government to link them to subversive activities, describing it as a ploy to restrict their legitimate activities of canvassing for support. UPC deputy leader Joseph Bbosa said indiscriminate arrests have occurred in Iganga, Mayuge and Bugiri districts. He said last Friday, security operatives arrested eight youth from Iganga while six were picked from Bugiri.
By Risdel Kasasira, Daily Monitor
