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New Vision (Kampala)
October 23, 2003
Posted to the web October 23, 2003
Emmy Allio And Agencies
Kampala
Ugandan soldiers from Bundibugyo district yesterday joined the search for the leader of a Hema militia group in northeastern Congo, who was reportedly kidnapped on Lake Albert by a rival militia group near the Ugandan border, security sources said yesterday.
Thomas Kasangaki, who heads the militia group loyal to the Party for Unity and Safeguard of Integratists in Congo (PUSIC), was kidnapped with 30 other people on Monday.
The deputy leader of PUSIC, Kisembo Bitamara, said Kasangaki and group were kidnapped by rival Lendu/ Ngiti militia group. He said the UN Observer Mission in Congo (MONUC) also joined in the search for the kidnapped people yesterday.
"This incidence is likely to ruin chances of a quick return of peace and security to Ituri. Is it now possible to move our troops to cantonment and then disarm when our rivals are on the war path?" Kisembo queried.
UPDF sources said they offered assistance on the Ugandan side. "We are not re-entering Congo, but merely helping along the borders," they said.
