Region / country
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112 results found
Items 1 - 50 of 112
Uganda
| 1 Mar 2013
Chief magistrate 4 Feb dismissed treason case against General Aronda Nyakairima, accused of threatening coup. 15 MPs 21 Feb declared campaign to secede from Uganda, create new “Nile State”, following allegations of corruption, misuse of Peace Recovery and Development Plan by PM’s office.
Uganda
| 1 Feb 2013
Police 26 Jan said leading opposition politician Kizza Besigye arrested for planning anti-govt protests. Vice chairman of Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs 29 Jan said committee considering calling President Museveni and Defence Chief Aronda Nyakairima to explain coup rhetoric: Nyakairima warned army poised to intervene if parliament continues “not showing seriousness” in tackling Uganda’s problems, Museveni reportedly claimed army will intervene to “refocus the country’s future” if current “confusion” in parliament continues. Anti-Corruption Court mid-Jan convicted MP Mike Mukula of embezzlement during 2005 term as health minister. Ugandan troops in CAR 18 Jan killed head bodyguard of LRA rebel leader Joseph Kony.
Uganda
| 1 Dec 2012
Following Oct suspension of UK, Irish, Norway and Denmark aid in response to reported embezzlement by PM’s office of $13mn meant for Northern Uganda Development and Recovery ministry, parliamentary Public Affairs Committee 11 Nov announced plans for inquiry. Govt threatened to withdraw forces from Africa peacekeeping operations if UN Group of Experts’ report accusing Uganda of involvement in DRC M23 rebellion is officially endorsed by UN.
Uganda
| 1 Nov 2012
Leaked UN group of experts report mid-month accused govt of aiding rebellion in eastern DRC; FM Oryem 23 Oct denied reports govt planning to halt M23-Kinshasa mediation efforts if UNSC endorsed accusations, said govt strengthening security in Lake Albert Rift Basin region bordering DRC following reports DRC rebels planning resumption of fighting.
Uganda
| 1 Sep 2012
President Museveni 27 Aug promoted son Col. Muhoozi Kainerugaba to one-star general, appointed him commander of special forces, prompting reports Museveni grooming son for presidency. Museveni 15 Aug issued new cabinet list, reappointed 3 senior govt officials accused of corruption. Regional leaders met in Kampala 6-8 Aug, discussed DRC crisis; govt 3 Aug denied accusations it is supporting M23 rebels in DRC. U.S. Sec of State Clinton visited early Aug, called for strong democratic institutions.
Uganda
| 1 Aug 2012
FM Okello Oryem said LRA mainly in DRC; AU, UN meeting 25 July called in response to fears rebellion in E DRC could allow LRA to regroup; head of planned AU force Col. Dick Olum 25 July said force does not yet have sufficient troops, funding, equipment. Army mid-month said talks underway with DRC govt to allow Ugandan pursuit of rebel dissidents in E DRC, forces “on standby”. President Museveni, chair of ICGLR, late month called emergency summit to discuss DRC conflict; govt 30 July denied rumours army backing M23 rebels.
Uganda
| 1 Jul 2012
In State of the Nation address, President Museveni 7 June criticised opposition leader Kizza Besigye for “lawlessness”, said media “unprofessional”. Media 20 June reported rift in ruling National Resistance Movement following by-election loss. Police 18 June broke up 3-day gay rights meeting, briefly detained 5 participants, reportedly on the order of Minister for Ethics Simon Lokodo; Lokodo 20 June announced 30 NGOs to be banned for “promotion” of homosexuality. Police 4 June arrested suspected al-Shabaab terrorist.
Uganda
| 1 Jun 2012
Army 12 May announced capture of LRA former intelligence chief Major General Caesar Acellam in Central African Republic, sparking dispute over whether he should be offered amnesty; chief prosecutor 22 May said Acellam will be prosecuted if found to be senior LRA official. Govt early May threatened to eject Oxfam for accusing govt of land-grabbing, demanded retraction, apology.
Uganda
| 1 May 2012
Govt 4 April banned opposition Activists for Change (A4C) pressure group, accused leaders of promoting political violence. Opposition Forum for Democratic Change leader Ingrid Turinawe sexually assaulted, arrested 19 April attending A4C rally in Kampala; police officer suspended 24 April. Army late-April reportedly accused Sudan’s govt of supporting LRA.
Uganda
| 1 Apr 2012
Army mid-March said Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels opened 3 camps in DRC, actively recruiting in Uganda, army on high alert. Assistant police inspector John Ariong killed 21 March when police clashed with opposition Forum for Democratic Change march; opposition said police to blame for death, 26 March said over 100 arrested; opposition leader Kizza Besigye 28 March charged with unlawful assembly, inciting public against police, 30 March arrested with 3 opposition politicians for taking part in protest. 53 charged with treason 24 March for alleged plans to overthrow govt. Govt 27 March said influx of up to 7,000 refugees from DRC could pose security risk.
Uganda
| 1 Mar 2012
Opposition leader Kizza Besigye and senior Forum for Democratic Change party leaders injured 21 Feb when police dispersed Kampala rally with tear gas. At least 1 killed 16 Feb when govt troops evicted estimated 6,000 people living on nature reserve; evictees claim govt attempting to sell ancestral land to foreign developers. Govt early Feb signed 2 controversial oil production agreements with Tullow Oil, despite Oct 2011 Parliament resolution preventing new oil contracts before necessary laws put in place; opposition condemned move. 2 cabinet ministers 16 Feb resigned following corruption allegations.
Uganda
| 1 Feb 2012
Opposition leader Kizza Besigye arrested 19 Jan, held 6 hours; govt said arrest necessary to prevent his participation in anti-govt Activists for Change protest; Besigye 20 Jan claimed he was assaulted in custody, police officers taking drugs. Bagisu village in east attacked 12 Jan by Sabiny tribesmen from Kapchorwa district; 1 killed, hundreds displaced.
Uganda
| 1 Dec 2011
Amnesty International 1 Nov documented increased govt harassment, repression of critics; govt denied. Opposition leader Besigye’s supporters, bodyguards 1 Nov fought crowd at his home where he is under house arrest; party officials said mob hired by local police. Parliament 9 Nov discussed motion to suspend PM and internal affairs minister being investigated for corruption; Attorney Gen Nyombi 22 Nov said Parliament cannot force them to leave.
Uganda
| 1 Nov 2011
12 opposition activists arrested 17 Oct following resumption of walk-to-work protests; opposition leader Besigye confined to house for attempt to participate; court 27 Oct ruled confinement illegal. Besigye arrested again 31 Oct for participating following release. Police 19 Oct said 45 opposition protesters detained since 16 Oct, claimed to have unveiled plot to overthrow govt; plan to charge 15 with treason denounced by opposition. Acting FM Oryem 16 Oct welcomed U.S. offer to send 100 troops to help track down LRA. 3 senior politicians including FM Kutesa and Internal Affair minister Onek resigned mid month ahead of anti-corruption case.
Uganda
| 1 Oct 2011
Opposition activists 2 Sept postponed planned rally after security forces deployed, banned them from venue. Police 17 Sept arrested author Vincent Nzaramba, alleged his book criticising President Museveni and ruling party is inciting public; later released. Court 14 Sept convicted 2 men over roles in July 2010 Kampala bomb attack. Constitutional Court 22 Sept granted amnesty to ex-LRA commander Thomas Kwoyelo.
Uganda
| 1 Sep 2011
Charges against opposition politician Kizza Besigye, including rioting and disobeying police orders, dropped 9 Aug. But tensions flared as Besigye and thousands of supporters gathered 9 Aug in Masaka, calling for resumption of protests. Security Minister Wilson Muruli Mukasa warned govt will not tolerate acts meant to destabilise country. Police 17 Aug fired tear gas, water cannon on crowd holding vigil in Kampala for people killed in April protests; 31 Aug banned planned opposition rally to “celebrate people power” in N Africa. President Museveni 13 Aug pledged additional 2,000 troops for AU peacekeeping mission in Somalia. Govt 4 Aug issued fresh terror alert, reported Somalia’s al-Shabaab planning new attacks.
Uganda
| 1 Aug 2011
Soaring inflation and currency depreciation sparked new anti-govt protests early July; traders 6 July shuttered businesses in Kampala and Masaka in SW. Kizza Besigye, leader of opposition DMC party, 25 July called for continued civil disobedience following several months of “walk to work” protests against Museveni regime. Govt 13 July dropped charges against Besigye for his role in protests. Besigye 5 July announced he will step down as DMC party leader when his term expires in 2014.
Uganda
| 1 Jul 2011
Following May brutal crackdown on protesters, police 10 June disrupted planned rally by opposition coalition Free Uganda Now. Opposition leader Kizza Besigye 13 June said “walk to work” protests against cost of living must continue. EU 19 June called for electoral reform, dialogue between govt and opposition. FM 21 June announced resumption of talks with Kenya over disputed islands in Lake Victoria.
Uganda
| 1 Jun 2011
Month saw continued “walk to work” protests against soaring fuel and food prices, and govt crackdown on protesters. Police 10 May detained opposition leader Norbert Mao, 12 May dispersed thousands protesting inauguration of President Museveni for fourth presidential term, leaving 5 dead. Opposition Forum for Democratic Change leader Kizza Besigye, returning from hospitalisation in Kenya for injuries sustained in protests late Apr, placed under house arrest 19 May. Museveni 24 May appointed Amama Mbabazi as PM, despite bribery allegations against him. Police 16 May arrested 4 Somalis suspected of being al-Shabaab members, 2 days after militant group warned of further attacks.
Uganda
| 1 May 2011
Month dominated by govt clampdown on “walk to work” protests initiated by opposition leaders to demonstrate against rising food and fuel costs. At least 2 killed, dozens injured 29 Apr as violence erupted in Kampala between troops and protesters following news that police 28 Apr violently arrested Kizza Besigye, leader of opposition Forum for Democratic Change; President Museveni 30 Apr vowed to “defeat” wave of demonstrations, unrest.
Uganda
| 1 Apr 2011
Following 18 Feb presidential and parliamentary elections, opposition demonstrations broke out 9 March protesting poll outcome; security forces responded, no casualties reported. Human Rights Watch 23 March released report urging govt to investigate special police unit, alleging unit responsible for cases of torture, extortion, extrajudicial killings.
Uganda
| 1 Mar 2011
Election Commission 20 Feb announced incumbent President Museveni winner of 18 Feb presidential election with 68% of vote. Main opposition leader Kizza Besigye won 26%, rejected results claiming election was “total farce”. Head of EU observer mission noted “severe compromise” of level playing field; U.S. 22 Feb noted diversion of govt resources for partisan campaigning and heavy deployment of security forces on election day but said polls “reflect will of the people”. Suspected National Resistance Movement sympathisers 23 Feb attacked at least 6 journalists covering Kampala mayoral election causing serious injury.
Uganda
| 1 Feb 2011
Month saw reports of violence, harassment of opposition candidates, corruption, intimidation ahead of 18 Feb presidential election. High Court 25 Jan threw out opposition’s Dec petition for Election Commission to issue voter cards to 4 million newly registered voters saying other identification can be used. Opposition leader Kizza Besigye 12 Jan threatened to pull out of elections if process became “hopeless”. Electoral commission chair Badru Kiggundu 19 Jan identified 9 militia groups including “Kiboko squads” and “Black mamba” threatening to disrupt process.
Uganda
| 3 Jan 2011
Security stepped up as suspected al-Shabaab bomb blast 20 Dec targeting Kampala-bound bus from Nairobi left 2 dead, several injured; President Museveni 21 Dec vowed terrorist attacks would not deter AMISOM troop role in Somalia.
“Security beefed up in Kampala”, New Vision, 24 Dec. 2010.
For latest report, see Crisis Group Africa Report N°157, LRA: A Regional Strategy beyond Killing Kony, 28 Apr. 2010.
Uganda
| 1 Dec 2010
Campaigning commenced 1 Nov between 8 candidates competing in 18 Feb presidential elections. Human Rights Watch called on govt to ensure non-violent campaign, free media. Nomination of parliamentary candidates underway starting 22 Nov amid allegations of military intimidation of opposition candidates, particularly in Karamoja region. Following May passing of U.S. legislation on LRA, U.S. 24 Nov announced comprehensive strategy supporting multilateral efforts to eliminate LRA threat, improve civilian protection, support recovery of northern Uganda.
“Uganda’s dangerous rebels: Lords of woe”, Economist, 11 Nov. 2010.
For latest report, see Crisis Group Africa Report N°157, LRA: A Regional Strategy beyond Killing Kony, 28 Apr. 2010.
Uganda
| 1 Nov 2010
Electoral commission 25 Oct approved candidacy of President Museveni and opposition Forum for Democratic Change leader Kizza Besigye to contest 18 Feb 2011 presidential election; 27 Oct announced total of 8 contenders.
- “8 cleared for 2011 presidential elections”, Daily Monitor, 28 Oct. 2010.
Uganda
| 1 Oct 2010
Ruling party National Resistance Movement (NRM) primary elections for parliamentary and local candidates suspended late Aug and again early Sept amid widespread irregularities, poor organisation, alleged voter intimidation and violent clashes in parts of country. President Museveni reacted angrily, accused NRM officials of self-interest. Opposition Forum for Democratic Change 20 Sept primaries also marred by irregularities. Defence Minister Crispus Kiyonga met with Congolese counterpart 18-19 Sept, discussed operations against LRA and Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in DRC, agreed on continued cooperation to neutralise threat, offered use of military academies to train DRC troops. In leaked letter to UN, FM Kutesa described mapping report leaked Aug as “deeply flawed”; warned publication could threaten commitment to peacekeeping missions in Africa. Ambassador to UN Ruhakana Rugunda said Uganda’s commitment to Africa would not be derailed.
Uganda
| 1 Sep 2010
Chief of Military Intelligence (CMI) James Mugira 12 Aug presented four Ugandan men described as “masterminds” of al-Shabaab 11 July bomb attacks on Kampala. Search still on for additional accomplices; capital remains on “high-alert” although CMI said another attack “unlikely”. Human Rights Watch 11 Aug issued report citing 697 LRA abductions over past 18 months in CAR and DRC, claiming many civilians brutally killed, urging U.S.-led strategy on civilian protection (see CAR).
Uganda
| 1 Aug 2010
Somali Islamist militia al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for 11 July bomb attacks in Kampala which resulted in 85 deaths and at least 60 injured, confirming longstanding fears of regional threat posed by al-Shabaab. Attacks came after several explicit warnings al-Shabaab would “bring war to Uganda and Burundi” in revenge for troop contribution to AMISOM supporting Somali transitional govt. More than 20 suspects, including Pakistani, Ethiopian and Somali nationals arrested in following days, majority released 22 July; 3 arrested Kenyans 30 July charged with murder, terrorism, 10 counts of attempted murder. President Museveni 15 July pledged continued commitment to AMISOM, pronounced Uganda’s intent to go on the offensive against al-Shabaab. Close to 2,000 Rwandan Hutu refugees forcefully repatriated to Rwanda 14 July with Rwandan police participation; 2 killed. UNHCR 16 July condemned violation of refugee rights; govt 20 July defended action claiming those repatriated had no refugee status and posed security risk.
Uganda
| 1 Jul 2010
President Museveni 2 June rejected opposition calls for new electoral commission chief; urged donors to focus on economic aid, not 2011 elections. Opposition 9 June demonstrated in Kampala; president of opposition FDC Kiiza Besigye reportedly severely beaten by police and pro-govt gang Kiboko Squad. Army chief Gen Nyakairima 15 June said police would “crush” violent demonstrations. Voter registration ended 18 June after 4-day extension, 3.5mn registered. Army reportedly on high alert after 16 killed in DRC by suspected Ugandan ADF rebels, inactive since 2008. Army 31 May killed 16 LRA rebels in eastern CAR; CAR media claimed 18 Ugandan soldiers killed 13 June by LRA. Govt 15 June said 10 soldiers ambushed and killed in eastern CAR in May; govt claimed “assailants Sudanese Janjaweed, not LRA”. Govt 18 June announced $100mn compensation fund for LRA victims in Northern Uganda.
Uganda
| 1 Jun 2010
Voter registration started 3 May; enrolment deadline postponed from 15 May to 4 June due to low turnout and delays; President Museveni 9 May acknowledged delays but refuted accusations of political repression in run-up to vote. Parliament 19 May rejected opposition amendment bill to limit presidential mandates, exclude army from parliament and reform electoral commission; opposition 20 May threatened to boycott polls unless reforms adopted. HRW 20 May reported 74 killed in LRA Feb attack in NE DRC; 2 Sudanese govt officials killed 16 May in Western Equatorial State; at least 38 civilians including 2 ICRC staff killed in CAR during month. OCHA-chief Holmes 2 May said UN will investigate massacres; Ugandan army 6 May demanded budget raise to fight LRA; CAR army 18 May deployed 600 troops in SE to protect civilians.
Uganda
| 1 May 2010
LRA political commissar Okello “Mission” arrested 31 March; Okello alleged Sudanese govt supported LRA with food, medicine and passage through Darfur; Okello claimed LRA chief Kony in Eastern DRC, estimated 200 LRA troops remained. Karimojong Jie warriors clashed 8 Apr with army during cattle raid in Kaabong (North); reported casualties vary between 14 and 41.
Uganda
| 1 Apr 2010
At least 2 killed in 17 March clashes between Baganda community members and police after 16 March fire destroyed royal Buganda mausoleum in Kasubi. Demonstrators accused govt of arson intended to weaken Buganda kingdom, denied by President Museveni. Washington-based Enough Project 10 March reported LRA leader Kony in Darfur with Khartoum’s support; Museveni 13 March echoed allegations; Khartoum refuted. Museveni expressed opposition to ICC trial of Kony, saying “here we shall hang him but…[in] The Hague they will just put him in a hotel”. LRA attacks continued in CAR, DRC over month.
Uganda
| 1 Mar 2010
President Museveni 28 Feb placed presidential guard under elite special forces unit commanded by son Lt Col Muhoozi; opposition groups condemned as move to prepare succession. Major political parties 5 Feb signed memorandum of understanding on elections conduct ahead of 2011 polls. President Museveni 8 Feb announced commencement of 2nd phase of Northern Uganda reconstruction fund involving disbursement of $140m to 40 north and eastern districts. Attacks by LRA forces continued southeast CAR late month.
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Uganda
| 1 Feb 2010
Govt 4 Jan blocked planned demonstration by 4 major opposition parties part of newly formed alliance, Inter-Party Cooperation (IPC), protesting Sept ban of CBS radio station and calling for replacement of election commission; govt cited lack of required notification. IPC promised further “surprise” rallies. 33 IPC women arrested 18 Jan following another attempt to demonstrate. President Museveni endorsed by ruling NRM as party candidate for 2011 presidential polls.
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Uganda
| 4 Jan 2010
Police 6 Dec forcefully dispersed opposition FDC rally in Hoima in west, gathered to receive party leader Kizza Besigye, considered President Museveni’s main opponent in 2011 elections. Opposition groups (excl. Democratic Party) 16 Dec announced intention to field single presidential candidate. UN Human Rights Commissioner Pillay 21 Dec reported some 1,300 civilians killed in “carefully synchronised” LRA killings between Dec 2008 and June 2009 in E Congo and S Sudan, urged international community bring LRA leaders before ICC; further brutal LRA attacks and mutilations reported in DRC from late Nov, also further 5 surrender. Govt claimed to have killed top LRA commander Bok Abudema in CAR 1 Jan. U.S. late Nov passed legislation recommending U.S. govt develop new strategy to confront LRA.
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For background, see Crisis Group Africa Report N°146, Northern Uganda: The Road to Peace, with or without Kony, 10 Dec. 2008.
Uganda
| 1 Dec 2009
Parliament 27 Nov passed controversial amendment to land act following trenchant opposition from Buganda Kingdom representatives, who allege law aims to curb region’s autonomy. Ugandan special forces continued operations against LRA rebels in neighbouring states, 17 Nov claiming to have killed LRA commander Okello Okutti in southeast CAR and reporting surrender of further 34 fighters, including senior commander Charles Arop, in northeast DRC. Further reports of killings, raids and abductions by suspected LRA rebels in southeast CAR, northeast DRC, S Sudan’s Nzara county.
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For background, see Crisis Group Africa Report N°146, Northern Uganda: The Road to Peace, with or without Kony, 10 Dec. 2008.
Uganda
| 1 Nov 2009
Electoral commission budget for 2011 elections tripled to increase registered voters through sensitisation program. Cabinet approved bill imposing measures to reduce corruption during campaigning. Donors, opposition continue to call for stronger electoral reform. President Museveni announced Sudanese President Bashir would not be arrested if he attended late Oct AU summit in Kampala. LRA forces continued attacks in CAR and northeast DRC, and according to S Sudan’s SPLM, moved into Darfur over month. Somali state minister for defence briefly held for questioning 6 Oct during unannounced trip to Kampala. Following threat on Kampala by Somalia’s al-Shabaab militants, Somali community leaders pledged to cooperate with govt to prevent al-Shabaab inroads.
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For background, see Crisis Group Africa Report N°146, Northern Uganda: The Road to Peace, with or without Kony, 10 Dec. 2008.
Uganda
| 1 Oct 2009
Kampala hit by violent riots 10-11 Sept, as thousands hit streets in support of King Mutebi of Buganda region after President Museveni early month denied king access to city of Bugerere, which had announced intention to break from Buganda. 27 killed, over 100 arrested; 4 radio stations taken off air for “inciting violence”. Musevini and King Mutebi met for talks 30 Sept. Opposition leader Ogenga Latigo 23 Sept accused President Museveni of reliance on military and, citing high number of troops still in Kampala, precipitating crisis to increase military presence. Ugandan military 7 Sept confirmed Ugandan army pursuing LRA in CAR, 9 Sept announced Ugandan forces had rescued 100 kidnapped youths, killed several commanders (see CAR).
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For background, see Crisis Group Africa Report N°146, Northern Uganda: The Road to Peace, with or without Kony, 10 Dec. 2008.
Uganda
| 1 Sep 2009
Violent riots in capital 18 Aug protesting President Museveni’s re-appointment of Badru Kiggund, accused of orchestrating fraud in 2006 elections, as electoral commission chair. Leading opposition UPC party official Godfrey Ayoo 6 Aug criticised govt failure to resolve LRA violence, alleged govt policies had prevented progress and failed to address LRA demands. Reports of several LRA attacks and abductions in South Sudan, CAR and northeast DRC; Ugandan troops in CAR launched retaliatory attacks late July, 5 Aug reportedly arrested 5 LRA officers. LRA negotiator David Matsanga announced resignation from group mid-month to contest 2011 presidential poll.
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For background, see Crisis Group Africa Report N°146, Northern Uganda: The Road to Peace, with or without Kony, 10 Dec. 2008.
Uganda
| 1 Aug 2009
Govt early month arrested 17 people linked to new group Uganda Patriotic Front (UPF) petitioning for rights in north, alleging UPF plot to oust president. Office of UN envoy Joaquim Chissano wound down; Chissano stressed need for 2-pronged approach comprising military action and negotiation with LRA; UNSC praised envoy’s readiness to re-start negotiations if LRA signs final peace deal.
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For background, see Crisis Group Africa Report N°146, Northern Uganda: The Road to Peace, with or without Kony, 10 Dec. 2008.
Uganda
| 1 Jul 2009
Opposition PPP called for electoral reform to introduce presidential age limits, which would bar incumbent President Museveni from standing again; dismissed by Museveni. Army early month said 11 fighters seeking to form new rebel group arrested in north; reportedly includes former senior LRA officers later integrated into armed forces. Suspected LRA rebels launched further raids in north east DRC early month, causing fresh displacement (see DRC).
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For background, see Crisis Group Africa Report N°146, Northern Uganda: The Road to Peace, with or without Kony, 10 Dec. 2008.
Uganda
| 1 Jun 2009
Bill introduced in U.S. Senate proposing development of action plan to support multilateral efforts against LRA and provide humanitarian/reconstruction funding for LRA-affected areas. President Museveni 11 May said disputed Migingo islands Kenyan but surrounding waters Ugandan, warned against Kenyan fishing. Prompted renewed outcry from Kenyan MPs, calls for AU and UN mediation over ownership.
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For background, see Crisis Group Africa Report N°146, Northern Uganda: The Road to Peace, with or without Kony, 10 Dec. 2008.
Uganda
| 1 May 2009
Govt late March ruled out fresh talks with LRA unless leader Kony signs final peace deal; LRA hit back rejecting signature, accused govt of seeking to prolong conflict. Reports of continued Ugandan presence in north east DRC despite govt claims of complete withdrawal in March; 2 soldiers reportedly killed in LRA attack on Ugandan army based in Bas-Uele, DRC, mid-month.
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For background, see Crisis Group Africa Report N°146, Northern Uganda: The Road to Peace, with or without Kony, 10 Dec. 2008.
Uganda
| 1 Apr 2009
Kampala, seeking to document military successes ahead 16 March withdrawal from DRC, claimed several LRA captured, including 4th in command, and another killed in S Sudan; no independent verification. Ugandan and DRC presidents met at border town 4 March, agreeing to increase security and energy cooperation. UN envoy Chissano held talks with MPs to garner support for restarting stalled dialogue with LRA command. African Peer Review Mechanism 23 March stressed that graft, dominance of executive threaten Uganda’s democratic gains.
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For background, see Crisis Group Africa Report N°146, Northern Uganda: The Road to Peace, with or without Kony, 10 Dec. 2008.
Uganda
| 1 Mar 2009
Speculation continued over potential surrender of senior LRA commanders and ICC indictees Okot Odhiambo and Dominic Ongwen, after Jan unconfirmed reports they were ready to disarm with 120 fighters in S Sudan; men failed to turn up at assigned UNMIS meeting points over month. President Museveni 10 Feb promised them amnesty in Uganda, despite ICC status. Kampala, UN traded accusations over Ugandan-led LRA military operation in DRC: UN USG Holmes in early-Feb visit to northeast DRC stressed scale of violence; Museveni stressed MONUC’s failure to prevent civilian deaths. Withdrawal of Ugandan troops from DRC again postponed late-Feb. Janet Museveni, MP and Museveni’s wife, brought into cabinet as minister for Karamoja region; finance minister replaced in 17 Feb cabinet reshuffle seen to consolidate president´s position ahead of 2011 elections.
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For background, see Crisis Group Africa Report N°146, Northern Uganda: The Road to Peace, with or without Kony, 10 Dec. 2008.
Uganda
| 1 Feb 2009
DRC, S Sudan, Uganda pressed forward with joint operation against LRA rebels in northeast DRC, launched Dec following repeated failure of LRA leadership to conclude peace deal. Bloody wave of reprisal attacks by rebel forces continued, amidst widespread criticism over impact of operation on civilians. LRA denied responsibility for recent violence, reportedly called on UN envoy Chissano to broker ceasefire. Govt late month claimed Okot Odhiambo, 1 of 5 LRA rebel commanders indicted by ICC, captured near DRC hideout; reports 20 others surrendered; details unclear. Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), which led northern rebellion for Muslim rights from 1990s, 22 Jan threatened to resume violence unless Kampala commits to peace talks.
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For background, see Crisis Group Africa Report N°146, Northern Uganda: The Road to Peace, with or without Kony, 10 Dec. 2008.
Uganda
| 5 Jan 2009
Uganda, with DRC, S Sudan forces 14 Dec launched joint air and ground operation on LRA rebel bases in DRC’s Orientale Province – reportedly followed months of preparation amid LRA rebel leader Kony’s repeated failure to conclude peace deal. Rebels fled attack, reportedly killing hundreds in their wake and moving towards CAR. UN 22 Dec issued statement in support of the joint operation, while U.S. official acknowledged U.S. technical support. LRA strongly condemned and vowed to retaliate.
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Comment by Jon Greenwald (Crisis Group), “Laying Ghosts and Making Peace”, AllAfrica, 18 Dec. 2008.
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Uganda
| 1 Dec 2008
Chief mediator Machar 30 Nov said rebel LRA leader again refused to sign final peace deal and reiterated condition that ICC warrants be lifted first. Followed earlier statements by LRA spokesperson that rebels ready to sign, after mediation team 6 Nov set 30 Nov deadline and demanded cessation of cross-border attacks by suspected LRA rebels. Govt of South Sudan threatened to “finish off” rebels if deadline missed, while President Museveni promised to resume LRA food supplies as goodwill gesture. In west, peace talks between ADF rebels and govt opened 14 Nov after decade-long insurgency. UN announced over 14,500 refugees fled across border from DRC since Aug (see DRC).
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For background, see Crisis Group Africa Briefing N°46, Northern Uganda Peace Process: The Need to Maintain Momentum, 14 Sept. 2007.
Uganda
| 1 Nov 2008
Pressure mounted for military action against LRA rebels, but no progress towards concluding peace deal. Ban on aid deliveries to LRA strongholds in the north remained in place, prompting LRA leadership to claim govt reneging on Apr pledges. South Sudan leader Salva Kiir 8 Oct demanded chief mediators Riek Machar and UN envoy Chissano provide timeframe for deal before “other options” pursued. Vicious attacks, abductions by reported LRA rebels from DRC bases continued: at least 6 killed in 18-19 Oct raids near Dungu, DRC mid-month; UN said up to 50,000 displaced, some 50 killed, scores abducted since mid-Sept. ICC renewed call for arrest of LRA leadership, questioned DRC efforts to execute warrants.
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For background, see Crisis Group Africa Briefing N°46, Northern Uganda Peace Process: The Need to Maintain Momentum, 14 Sept. 2007.
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