General Muhoozi Kainerugaba recently shared his firsthand experience in combat against Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebels during a recent visit to Eastern Uganda.
Deployed by President Museveni, Muhoozi recounted his mission under the Infantry Motorised Battalion of the Presidential Guard Brigade (PGB) to counter the threat posed by LRA chief of staff, Tolbert Tabuley.
Speaking to a crowd in Soroti, Muhoozi described setting up an ambush at Ochuna to intercept Tabuley, who had been causing trouble in Teso. He vividly recalled the encounter at a primary school where the LRA faced their first setback, dissuading them from further aggression.
Tabuley, then the third in command of the LRA, remained a formidable adversary for the UPDF, as evidenced by another ambush in Katine, Soroti. However, Tabuley met his end in Anyalah, Kaberamaido, at the hands of a UPDF unit shortly after the Katine ambush.
“The President had sent me and my unit to block Tabuley who was disturbing Teso,” Muhoozi told thousands of revelers during the Teso Baraza at Soroti Sports Grounds on Tuesday evening.
“So, we set up our ambush at Ochuna. There was fear that Tabuley would attack the Internally Displaced People’s (IDP) at Soroti-Orungo,” he added as the revelers who had ensured the scorching heat listened attentively.
“We spent the whole night in ambush. In the morning, we came into contact with Tabuley at a primary school,” he emphasised.
“The fire they (LRA) got there convinced them not to continue.”Muhoozi revealed that, “another time, we fell into another ambush set by him at Katine in Soroti.”
He recalled: “We had spent the whole day shelling Tabuley from Atirir. As we were returning to Soroti at night, he (Tabuley) laid ambush. The terrorists lost some people there. Soon after that ambush Tabuley was killed in Anyalah, Kaberamaido by one of our units. So, no one has to educate me about Teso. I know it,” said Muhoozi as the crowd cheered him on.
“People used to sleep on the road because they were scared of LRA,” he added.
“Today, we are here to thank God for the peace we are enjoying. The days of insurgencies, IDP camps and massacres are behind us. We are here to thank those who participated in those operations to bring peace. We thank all UPDF units that fought here. And also the arrow boys. We are here to thank the people of Teso for all the support they gave us.”
Muhoozi emphasized his intimate knowledge of the region, acknowledging the terror inflicted by the LRA, which forced people to sleep on roads out of fear. Grateful for the peace prevailing today, Muhoozi expressed gratitude to all who contributed to restoring stability, including the UPDF units and local support, during his visit to Teso for a Baraza—a community information forum.
These forums provide a platform for addressing community concerns, which Muhoozi will relay to the President for action.Addressing security challenges, Muhoozi highlighted efforts against Karamojong rustlers and noted a decline in raids due to UPDF pressure. He also mentioned the return of amnesty for Karachunas, encouraging them to surrender weapons voluntarily.
Transitioning to economic matters, Muhoozi commended the adoption of citrus fruit cultivation in Teso, a government initiative to replace cotton farming. Acknowledging issues with the Soroti fruit factory, he assured collaboration with private investors for restructuring, with government funding allocated for this purpose.
Expressing gratitude to South Korea for partnership in the citrus fruit value chain, Muhoozi pledged action against fake pesticides and cautioned against land fragmentation. Urging land preservation for future generations, he advocated for family farms over small plots and highlighted the importance of maintaining agricultural viability.
Muhoozi’s engagements in Teso included addressing a rally in Bukedea and attending the finals of the MK Teso Cup tournament, demonstrating ongoing efforts to engage with local communities and address their needs.
