December
12, 2006: The president held direct talks with LRA commanders, in an attempt to
finally end years of violence in the north.
December
11, 2006: Uganda and Rwanda have been discussing increasing military
cooperation. At the moment the discussion is focusing on training issues. Both
nations are interested in officer "exchange" training programs, with
the intent of moving to joint training exercises. Rwanda and Uganda have both
been emphasizing "professionalizing" their respective officer corps.
In part that means weeding corrupt officers out of the military. It also means
promoting based on performance, not political and tribal connections.
December
9, 2006: Uganda is willing to provide troops for an African Union (AU)
peacekeeping force in Somalia. Uganda has indicated it would provide at least
one battalion of peacekeepers. The Ugandan parliament must approve the mission
and there is some debate within Uganda about committing the troops. Uganda does
not want to become part of a wider regional war if an intense (rather than
low-grade) war between Somali and Ethiopia erupts.
