African Church Information Service
July 28, 2003
Posted to the web July 28, 2003
Crespo Sebunya
Entebbe
Uganda has offered the Old Entebbe Airport to be used as a regional military base for US, according to Ugandan security sources.
This was one of the subjects of US-Uganda security co-operation on war on terror, brought up during bilateral talks here on July 11 between presidents Yoweri Museveni and George Bush.
The talks followed recent discussions that were held in Washington between Ugandan Government and Pentagon officials.
Reports indicate that the airport, with a three-kilometre runway, will be used as a refuelling point by US military jets. The possibility of US troops being stationed here is not far fetched, according to government sources.
Security sources at the airport speculate that President Bush might have toured the old airport, or if not, then a look-alike did.
President Bush acknowledged Museveni as a vital bastion of security in the east and central African region, describing him as a strong leader expected to be key player in the region's stability.
He also reiterated his pledge of US$100 million to be given to East African nations to fight terrorist organisations and networks.
Political opponents are critical of Bush's utterances, pointing out that he conveniently ignored Museveni's "dubious" democratic credentials and failed to monitor the political pulse in Uganda.
Many are suspicious about Bush's cautious attitude towards Museveni and his inability to raise humanitarian issues, especially in the north, where the Lords Resistance Army (LRA), a rebel group, is a menace.
However, US ambassador to Uganda says Ugandans should expect surprises, pointing out that US wants an orderly political transition and a better solution to the civil conflict in northern Uganda, than a military solution being pursued.
