The Uganda
Peoples Defense forces (UPDF) have captured eleven Congolese soldiers suspected
to have defected from the army and crossing into Uganda.
The UPDF spokesperson
Lt. Col. Paddy Ankunda says that the UPDF also captured a Congolese colonel who
was commanding the eleven-man force that had crossed to Kiraru parish in
Kitholhu sub-county.
He identified
the captured commander as Col. Eric Bisamazi.
Lt. Col. Ankunda
says that the captured Congolese soldiers who have been disarmed are now
detained at a UPDF unit in Kiraro as contacts with the Congolese counterparts
as made to discuss their fate.
However, the
Congolese combatants first resisted arrest by firing at the UPDF soldiers who eventually
overpowered them. But there were no casualties in the Tuesday evening exchange.
The UPDF has
recovered eight short machine guns, a pistol and two Rocket Propelled Grenades
while disarming the Congolese combatants.
The gunfire
that rocked the borderline on Tuesday evening caused anxiety in the area
forcing hundreds of people from Kiraru parish to flee their homes.
They reportedly
spent the night in the bush before camping at Kathembo Catholic church about
3kms from the border.
The Kasese
district chairman Lt. Col. Mawa Muhindo said he was working hand in hand with
the UPDF to make sure the situation is calm.
Lt. Col.
Mawa said that the people camped at Kathembo Catholic church were to be sent
back home after the assessment of the situation at the border. END
