Gunship Bombs LRA Hideouts, Capturing Rebel Lukwiya’s Son
By Ali Mao
A UPDF helicopter gunship on Thursday bombarded the LRA’s Brigadier Raska Lukwiya’s group, killing his close aide identified as Major James Ojok. Another an unidentified second lieutenant was killed in a in a fierce battle in Lira district.
The UPDF 5th Division spokesman based in Lira, Second Lieutenant Chris Magezi, said the battle took place northwest of Otuke hill in Otuke county, about 56km north of Lira town between 3:00 and 4:00pm.
Magezi said the army killed 29 other rebels and captured six family members of Raska Lukwiya, including his four-year old son and one prisoner of war.
“A rebel captive testified to us that the second-in-command of Lukwiya, identified as James Ojok, was killed and other rebels seriously wounded in the encounter,” Magezi said.
Items recovered include one SPG9, 12.7mm anti-aircraft gun, shortmachine guns, a walkie-talkie, two anti-personnel mines, one solar panel, two shells of SPG9, 97 rounds of G2
gun with two chains, two pairs of a brigadier’s pips, one for a captain and documents which Magezi said they were still investigating.
He said the rebels fled in disarray when both the helicopter and 81st battalion hit them.
“The war against this terrorist is bearing fruits. Our forces are on their heels wherever they hide. Definitely we shall hunt them until they are finished,” Magezi said.
“The army has already taken charge of the situation in the area and very soon we shall get them since they are facing pressure from Sudan.
“If they come back here in Uganda it will be easier for us to track them down,” he added.
Ends
Published on: Saturday, 6th March, 2004
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