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Sent: Saturday, October 11, 2003 2:51 AM
Subject: Sixteen killed in Uganda fighting-army


Sixteen killed in Uganda fighting-army


KAMPALA, Oct 10 (Reuters) - Eleven civilians and five rebels have been killed in fighting between guerrillas of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and pro-government militia in eastern Uganda, the army said on Friday.

About 300 LRA rebels attacked militiamen of a civilian defence force known as the Arrow Boys in Soroti district on Thursday and stole supplies before escaping back into the bush.

"The Arrow Boys killed five of the rebels including their leader, Rico Louno, but the rebels killed 11 civilians," army spokesman Major Shaban Bantariza told Reuters.

Bantariza had no immediate word on media reports that said four of the Arrow Boys had also been killed in the clash."

The LRA is feared for maiming villagers and abducting children for use as sex slaves and child soldiers.

Uganda and Sudan this month renewed a year-old agreement to cooperate in flushing out the LRA from bases in southern Sudan following accusations by Uganda that its northern neighbour was supplying the rebels.

The Sudanese government said it would deal seriously with rogue army officers it suspects have been collaborating with the LRA in violation of the agreement.

Sudan's accord with Uganda in 2002 ended years of Sudanese support for the LRA widely seen in the region as retaliation for alleged Ugandan military support for Sudan Peoples Liberation Army rebels. Uganda denies it backs the SPLA militarily.

President Yoweri Museveni deployed more than 14,000 troops backed by helicopter gunships and tanks against the LRA last year but the rebels continue to maim, kill and abduct civilians.

Under pressure from government troops in their traditional operational areas in northern Uganda in June they fled to eastern Uganda where they have wreaked havoc.

Led by self-proclaimed prophet and mystic Joseph Kony, the rebels say they are fighting to overthrow President Yoweri Museveni's government but have never spelt out detailed demands in public.


   
10/10/03 04:56 ET
    
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