ugnet_: UPDF placed on high alert (standby class 1)

[Mulindwa Edward]

Netters These are not matters to be taken lightly, a great number of lives are in danger, and that is both the Northerners who have been at war for 17 plus years and Southerners (especially Baganda) who have enjoyed the sleep as well. Uganda needs a prayer. Em Toronto     To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, December 22, 2002 12:48 PM UPDF placed on high alert (standby class 1) Army placed on high alert By David Kibirige With talk of a new conflict looming over the country, the army leadership last week placed the country's security forces on Standby Class One. This is said to be the highest level of combat readiness. Sunday Monitor was told by sources that a radio message sent to all units country-wide ordered all soldiers not to leave their barracks, be in uniform all the time and arms should be within easy access. Army Spokesman Maj. Shaban Bantariza said this being a festive season the army has to be fully alert. �Some [people] would use the festive season to cause some trouble so we have to be fully alert,� he said Tuesday Bantariza said there is no reason to worry as the army has been doing this for the last many years. Highly placed sources told Sunday Monitor that the Commandant of the Mbarara-based 2 Division Col. Poteli Kivuna has ordered all wives of soldiers out of Makenke barracks. He also ordered that all gates apart from the main one be locked all the time. Information that could not be independently verified claimed several tank units have been transferred from Gulu-based 4 Division to Mbarara. Artillery guns have reportedly been transferred from Nakasongolo Air Base to Mbarara. Bantariza refused to give details about deployment saying this is information which cannot be disclosed to the public. �I am not aware about the moving of troops but even if I knew I would not tell you about troop movement. Why should one be interested in knowing about the army�s deployment?� Bantariza said Friday. There is talk that renegade and exiled Col. Samson Mande and Lt. Col. Anthony Kyakabale are training rebels in a neighbouring country with plans to attack Uganda. The army says that the duo�s force, known as People�s Redemption Army (PRA), is alleged to be camped in eastern DR Congo.