Army to investigate NRA atrocities in Teso sub-region

Kampala.

The Army yesterday launched a week of civil-military activities, re-echoing President Museveni’s call for fresh investigations against the officers who could have committed atrocities against civilian population in Teso sub-region in the early 1990s.

The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Katumba Wamala, told the media at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Mbuya that investigators would go to Kanyumu in Kumi District to collect evidence of atrocities.
“We have not got concrete information on those who could have committed those atrocities, but the Commander-In-Chief did mention some areas. We will go back to those areas and find out whether the population has some issues to raise,” Gen Katumba said.

“If there is evidence that some atrocities committed, we will investigate those cases. Whether those officers are still in service or out of service, does not matter. If there is evidence, the officers will be brought to book,” he added.
President Museveni told supporters on Sunday during the NRM anniversary celebrations in Mayuge District that he had received reports of some NRA, now, UPDF commanders who could have committed atrocities against civilians during war in Teso in early 1990s.

Gen Katumba’s comments came as senior defence and military officials were launching Tarehe Sita week, also known as “army week” in remembrance of the first attack on Kabamba barracks, which marked the beginning of the guerilla war on February 6, 1986 and later brought the NRM government to power in 1986.
The celebrations will be held in Buhweju District.
Defence minister Crispus Kiyonga said the Army will celebrate its role in peacekeeping and enforcement in the region.
He said the deployment of the UPDF in South Sudan was to prevent the “possible occurrence” of genocide.