Kampala hit by violent riots 10-11 Sept, as thousands hit streets in support of King Mutebi of Buganda region after President Museveni early month denied king access to city of Bugerere, which had announced intention to break from Buganda. 27 killed, over 100 arrested; 4 radio stations taken off air for “inciting violence”. Musevini and King Mutebi met for talks 30 Sept. Opposition leader Ogenga Latigo 23 Sept accused President Museveni of reliance on military and, citing high number of troops still in Kampala, precipitating crisis to increase military presence. Ugandan military 7 Sept confirmed Ugandan army pursuing LRA in CAR, 9 Sept announced Ugandan forces had rescued 100 kidnapped youths, killed several commanders (see CAR).

Violent riots in capital 18 Aug protesting President Museveni’s re-appointment of Badru Kiggund, accused of orchestrating fraud in 2006 elections, as electoral commission chair. Leading opposition UPC party official Godfrey Ayoo 6 Aug criticised govt failure to resolve LRA violence, alleged govt policies had prevented progress and failed to address LRA demands. Reports of several LRA attacks and abductions in South Sudan, CAR and northeast DRC; Ugandan troops in CAR launched retaliatory attacks late July, 5 Aug reportedly arrested 5 LRA officers. LRA negotiator David Matsanga announced resignation from group mid-month to contest 2011 presidential poll.

Govt early month arrested 17 people linked to new group Uganda Patriotic Front (UPF) petitioning for rights in north, alleging UPF plot to oust president. Office of UN envoy Joaquim Chissano wound down; Chissano stressed need for 2-pronged approach comprising military action and negotiation with LRA; UNSC praised envoy’s readiness to restart negotiations if LRA signs final peace deal.

Opposition PPP called for electoral reform to introduce presidential age limits, which would bar incumbent President Museveni from standing again; dismissed by Museveni. Army early month said 11 fighters seeking to form new rebel group arrested in north; reportedly includes former senior LRA officers later integrated into armed forces. Suspected LRA rebels launched further raids in north east DRC early month, causing fresh displacement (see DRC).

Bill introduced in U.S. Senate proposing development of action plan to support multilateral efforts against LRA and provide humanitarian/reconstruction funding for LRA-affected areas. President Museveni 11 May said disputed Migingo islands Kenyan but surrounding waters Ugandan, warned against Kenyan fishing. Prompted renewed outcry from Kenyan MPs, calls for AU and UN mediation over ownership.

Govt late March ruled out fresh talks with LRA unless leader Kony signs final peace deal; LRA hit back rejecting signature, accused govt of seeking to prolong conflict. Reports of continued Ugandan presence in north east DRC despite govt claims of complete withdrawal in March; 2 soldiers reportedly killed in LRA attack on Ugandan army based in Bas-Uele, DRC, mid-month.

Kampala, seeking to document military successes ahead 16 March withdrawal from DRC, claimed several LRA captured, including 4th in command, and another killed in S Sudan; no independent verification. Ugandan and DRC presidents met at border town 4 March, agreeing to increase security and energy cooperation. UN envoy Chissano held talks with MPs to garner support for restarting stalled dialogue with LRA command. African Peer Review Mechanism 23 March stressed that graft, dominance of executive threaten Uganda’s democratic gains.

Speculation continued over potential surrender of senior LRA commanders and ICC indictees Okot Odhiambo and Dominic Ongwen, after Jan unconfirmed reports they were ready to disarm with 120 fighters in S Sudan; men failed to turn up at assigned UNMIS meeting points over month. President Museveni 10 Feb promised them amnesty in Uganda, despite ICC status. Kampala, UN traded accusations over Ugandan-led LRA military operation in DRC: UN USG Holmes in early-Feb visit to northeast DRC stressed scale of violence; Museveni stressed MONUC’s failure to prevent civilian deaths. Withdrawal of Ugandan troops from DRC again postponed late-Feb. Janet Museveni, MP and Museveni’s wife, brought into cabinet as minister for Karamoja region; finance minister replaced in 17 Feb cabinet reshuffle seen to consolidate president´s position ahead of 2011 elections.

DRC, S Sudan, Uganda pressed forward with joint operation against LRA rebels in northeast DRC, launched Dec following repeated failure of LRA leadership to conclude peace deal. Bloody wave of reprisal attacks by rebel forces continued, amidst widespread criticism over impact of operation on civilians. LRA denied responsibility for recent violence, reportedly called on UN envoy Chissano to broker ceasefire. Govt late month claimed Okot Odhiambo, 1 of 5 LRA rebel commanders indicted by ICC, captured near DRC hideout; reports 20 others surrendered; details unclear. Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), which led northern rebellion for Muslim rights from 1990s, 22 Jan threatened to resume violence unless Kampala commits to peace talks.

Uganda, with DRC, S Sudan forces 14 Dec launched joint air and ground operation on LRA rebel bases in DRC’s Orientale Province – reportedly followed months of preparation amid LRA rebel leader Kony’s repeated failure to conclude peace deal. Rebels fled attack, reportedly killing hundreds in their wake and moving towards CAR. UN 22 Dec issued statement in support of the joint operation, while U.S. official acknowledged U.S. technical support. LRA strongly condemned and vowed to retaliate.