Ugandan army discovers LRA armoury in South Sudan

Mar 12, 2006 (KAMPALA) — The Ugandan army on 9 March said they have discovered a Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) armoury in southern Sudan during a mop up operation, the Kampala based The Monitor reported.

The 4th Division PRO, Lt Chris Magezi, said the rebel cache was discovered north of River Ayuba in the eastern equatorial province. He said the army recovered five B-10 bombs, 20 pieces of 82mm mortar bombs, one 82mm recoilless bomb, and one G3 gun. Magezi said all the weapons are in good conditions.

The Ugandan battalion comprises of former LRA rebels that were re-absorbed by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).

“It’s a pattern which is unfolding within the LRA as they struggle to survive by trying to bury or hide their heavier weapons and remain with assault riffles that are easy to run with,” Magezi said.

He said a group of LRA rebels that were searching for food in southern Sudan, were also hit by the UPDF. One rebel was captured. “The rebels had crossed the Yei-Maradi Road and were heading towards Garamba in the DRCongo,” he said. ”

They are a splinter group of Vincent Otti. One SMG was also recovered after the slight encounter,” Magezi said.

Meanwhile the 37 Battalion attacked LRA rebels along River Ayago killing two rebels and also capturing one with an SMG and 120 rounds of ammunition.

A group of hunters escorted by the Ugandan army in Awach Internally Displaced People’s camp in Gulu in northern Uganda, also recovered three SMGs and one G2 machine gun, which were abandoned by the rebels.

Magezi said one LRA rebel surrendered in Acet with his SMG and 116 rounds of ammunition, one rocket propelled gun pipe.

(The Monitor/ST)