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The UPDF yesterday arrested 11 Congolese army deserters for illegally entering Ugandan territory. The arrests come a day before the regional leaders meet in Kampala to discuss renewed fighting in the eastern part of DR Congo.

UPDF Spokesperson Paddy Ankunda
UPDF Spokesperson Paddy Ankunda

Army spokesperson Paddy Ankunda said among those arrested is Col Eric Bisamazi, who defected from government forces in May and formed his own militia group in Beni region. The group crossed into Uganda at Kiraru border point in Kitoro Sub-county, Kasese District. “They entered our ambush.

We are trying to initiate a process with the Congolese government to see how we can handle it. The Congolese soldiers had defected from the army,” Lt Col Ankunda said.

The soldiers were disarmed and are being held at a UPDF unit in Kiraro village as investigations continue. Eye witnesses told the Daily Monitor that the group first resisted arrest by firing at the UPDF positions before they were eventually overpowered. The fire exchange caused fear among the residents on the slopes of Mount Rwenzori, forcing them to flee their homes.

Eight short machine guns, a pistol and two rocket propelled grenades were recovered from the fighters.
The Kasese District chairperson, Lt Col Mawa Muhindo, said residents who fled are camped at Kathembo Catholic Church and will return to their homes after the situation at the border has been assessed.

Meanwhile 12 regional presidents are expected to attend tomorrow’s meeting on the DR Congo crisis which threatens regional stability. Rwandan President Paul Kagame, arrived last evening while his Tanzanian counterpart Jakaya Kikwete was expected yesterday. Renewed fighting between the Kinshasha and M23 rebels has seen thousands of refugees fleeing into Uganda and Rwanda.

The Monitor 

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