To: H. E The President
Date: 19.April.01
Your Excellency,
I briefly visited Rukungiri on Saturday; the following is what I found
Consistent rumours of registration of rebels
Consistent meetings with gentlemen from Kampala like Musinguzi Garuga, The Babihuga family, Maj. Rubarama Ruranga and others all on the same subject of mobilising supporters.
Capt (Rtd) Katabazi is in charge of all coordination (Brother Lt. Col. Mande).
Consistent reports of purchasing of maize in large quantities heading towards Rwanda. In Rwere this weekend, two of the Babihuga’s brothers were seen buying maize in large quantities.
Your Excellency, there is increased movement of Rwandese army officials on pass and looking for asylum.
There is increased presence of RPA intelligence operatives in Ishasha area. I am sure there are similar plans against Uganda but my worry is that the UPDF troops in the area leave a lot to be desired.
I observed the following;
Detaches Vs strength and opns.
Kaumi 16
Nyabubare 11
Bwambare 11
Bwentare 39
Nchwera 11
Rweshama 23 solders
Ishash customs 20
All have no supporter weapons- just hold ordinary AK 47
Observations
2nd Division Garrison Unit should be replaced for all its solders are either causalities, TB cases or have some physical problems that make them an ineffective force.
Support weapons especially LGMs and mortars needed. Adjacent to some of the defenses are dead grounds and SMGs are rendered ineffective if attacked from those fronts.
They are skeletal detaches in place. The manpower is not enough to repulse a strong army. At least each detach would require a tone of platoon.
No communication system in place. Even the man pack at the Garrison the Ishasha no longer functions
For walkie-talkies units bordering for election periods from Ministry of health which are now being withdrawn.
All have problems of uniforms, shoes and food. The food given to them is extremely inadequate
M. Rwakitarate
Capt