ADF threaten to attack aid convoys

Rebels of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in western Uganda have threatened to attack relief convoys going to Bundibugyo. In letters to the ICRC and UNHCR, published on Saturday by the independent 'Monitor' daily, the ADF claimed the convoys were ferrying military supplies to the Ugandan army. "Any convoy of humanitarian assistance to Bundibugyo will be attacked whether escorted by uniformed or civilian personnel," the letter stated. "That is because you accept to be used by the government to ferry some military stuff under the guise of humanitarian aid to internally displaced people." "Your office must not blame our organisation for any losses whatsoever that might occur if it insists on undertaking those trips to Bundibugyo," the letter warned. In a commentary on Saturday, the 'Monitor' said the recent upsurge in ADF attacks, particularly near Fort Portal, had exposed "holes" in President Yoweri Museveni's Congo policy and the "sluggishness" of the army in combating insurgency. "How can Ugandan troops who have been deep inside Congo for a whole three years on grounds of eliminating the ADF's supply bases still be facing military assaults from the rebels deep inside Uganda?" the paper asked.