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New Vision (Kampala)
September 22, 2003
Posted to the web September 22, 2003
Vision Reporter
Kampala
PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has said terrorism is not an internal problem in Uganda but a deliberate act of aggression perpetrated by external sponsors.
Lt. Gen. Museveni, the commander-in-chief of the UPDF, was speaking on Saturday at the pass-out of UPDF officers who underwent a seven-and-a-half-month tank battalion training.
The ceremony took place at Karama Armoured Training School in Mubende, a statement from State House said yesterday.
"President Museveni said Kony is not the problem that generates insecurity in Uganda, but those who sponsor and encourage him to continue carrying out his banditry in the country," it said.
Museveni was quoted as saying, "Those outsiders who sponsor Kony must be dealt with before considering Kony himself." He said this task required a well-trained army.
Museveni last week warned Sudan to stop aiding the LRA rebels.
AFP news agency said defence minister Amama Mbabazi on Sunday conveyed a message from Museveni to Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on fighting terror.
"I am here as a special envoy of President Yoweri Museveni to deliver to President Omar al-Bashir a message on bilateral relations and on fighting terrorism," Mbabazi told reporters.
Mbabazi arrived in Khartoum late Saturday accompanied by military intelligence chief Col Noble Mayombo.
At the Karama pass-out, Museveni presented prizes and certificates to the best performers.
The best overall student was Major Augustine Kyazze, followed by Captain Francis Chemo. Captain Fred Kakaire and Lt. James Birungi were third and fourth.
Museveni said the introduction of armoured vehicles and tanks in the army was deliberate and irreversible because these had assisted in defending the country's borders.
He thanked North Korea, Russia and Tanzania for assisting the UPDF through advanced army courses.
Army chief Aronda Nyakairima said the training was a success and in line with effort to modernise the army.
