By Godfrey Olukya 21-9-2012

The governments of the Central African Republic (CAR), South Sudan and Uganda have handed over their troops which are meant to fight against LRA rebels to the African Union Regional Task Force (RTF) Commander, Col. Dick Pritolum.

LRA rebels who originated from Uganda entered southern Sudan, Democratic republic of Congo and later Central African Republic where they have been killing innocent civilians. The affected countries decided to send troops to hunt the rebels over a year ago but they have been operating separately.

USA sent 100 troops to help in the hunting of the rebels about six months ago but up to now the rebels are still active.

Uganda’s Minister of Defence, Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, has handed over 2,000 soldiers from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), while South Sudan’s Deputy Minister, Dr. Majak Agot handed over 500 from the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in a joint ceremony presided over by the Special Envoy of the Chairperson of the AU Commission for the LRA issue, Ambassador Francisco Madeira, in Yambio town, capital of the Western Equatoria State of South Sudan.

The ceremony was also attended by the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary‐ General and Head of the UN Office in Central Africa (UNOCA), Mr. Abou Moussa. The Force Commander of the UN Mission to the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS), Maj‐General Moses Obbi, the U.S.A ambassador to South Sudan, Susan Page and the European Union (EU) Delegation in South Sudan representative Peter Welling attended the function.

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary‐General said,’ The hand‐over of the national troops to the RTF as a major landmark in the operationalization of the fight against LRA rebels. We will continue supporting the force through the implementation of the regional strategy against the LRA. ‘

Ugandas’ minister of defense Crispus Kiyonga said that the days of LRA rebels are numbered. He said,’ I am sure soon LRA rebels will be eliminated. We request them to surrender so that their lives are saved.’

END