January 9, 2006: Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has been extolled as an example of "the good strong man" in sub-Saharan Africa. US President Bill Clinton praised Museveni for leading Uganda's efforts to fight HIV infection and build a sound economy. The U.S. has also praised Uganda. However, Museveni isn't aging well. The jailing of presidential rival Kizza Besigye has increased tribal and political tension within Uganda. Several European nations which support projects in Uganda are considering reducing support. Great Britain has already reduced aid. Britain wants fair elections in Uganda and the shenanigans involving Besigye do not bode well. On his part, Besigye has called forthe formation of a new opposition coalition, with Besigye's Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party as the center of the new anti-Museveni alliance. Besigye says the Ugandan government is corrupt and calls Museveni the chief "criminal." Another opposition leader, Abed Bwanika promises to end the war with the LRA through negotiations. Bwanika said that Museveni has failed to end the war and this is a reason to deny Museveni re-election.. The bottom line is Uganda is increasingly unstable politically. Museveni has said one of his achievements is providing Uganda with a stable government.
January 4, 2006: LRA rebels attacked a village in Gulu district. They killed three civilians and abducted another eight people.
January 3, 2006: The Ugandan military reported that it killed four LRA rebels in fighting in Kitgum district. In Gulu district five LRA died in a firefight along the River Gwen. No date was reported for the River Gwen fight, but it was between January 1 and January 3. The Ugandan military has been patrolling the River Gwen area quite extensively.
