Donors Supporting Rebels - Mayombo
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The Monitor (Kampala)August 16, 2003
Posted to the web August 16, 2003 Halima Abdallah
Kampala The Chief of Military Intelligence, Col Noble Mayombo, told court yesterday that some donors support rebels but declined to name any saying it is classified information.
Mayombo also named Afghanistan, Costa Rica and Suriname as countries that are considered to be enemies of Uganda.
He was being cross-examined on his earlier testimony against three Monitor journalists at Buganda Road Chief Magistrate's Court in Kampala.Mr Charles Onyango-Obbo, Mr Wanyama Wangah and Mr Frank Nyakairu are on trial for allegedly publishing false information on October 10, 2002.The story stated that a UPDF helicopter crashed in fight over Adilang hill in Pader district in northern Uganda, about 340km from Kampala.They are also being accused of publishing information prejudicial to national security.The Monitor headquarters in Namuwongo, Kampala was closed for a week ( 10-16) following the publication. The three journalists were consequently charged with the crime on October 16.Mayombo told court that Lord Resistance Army rebels did not shot down the helicopter, but added that it's a terrorist organization that is well organized and co-ordinated.He admitted that the UPDF has not been able to protect all the people in northern Uganda, but denied that UPDF has failed to defeat LRA."Its not correct that UPDF has failed to defeat LRA, there is no war between UPDF and LRA, there is no war in northern Uganda, LRA is killing the people of Uganda," Mayombo told court.The Col. told court that LRA is an agent of a foreign aggressor, which he did name.
He admitted that The Monitor published the view of the army in the same story and that he did not know much about journalism.Mayombo also requested court not to compel him answer a question as to whether he had spies in the LRA, but said he learnt that the rebels rejoiced over the story.
He categorically stated to court that the Sudan government stopped supporting the rebels and said the killing of three UPDF soldiers at Paltaka in Southern Sudan recently was a mistaken bombing.Col. Mayombo admitted that some sections of the Sudan Military give support to LRA.
When asked when the UPDF will defeat LRA, he first said it was an unfair question but later said that as soon as enough money is made available.Mayombo will reappear in court for further cross-examination on September 17.
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"The lie can be maintained only for such time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic and/or military consequences of the lie. It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for the truth is the mortal enemy of the lie, and thus by extension, the truth becomes the greatest enemy of the state."
- Dr. Joseph M. Goebbels - Hitler's propaganda minister
