Uganda beefs up security along border with DR Congo after attacks

The Ugandan military on Monday said it has beefed up security along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following a series of rebel attacks in eastern DRC that have left over 100 people dead.

Maj. Ronald Kakurungu, the western Uganda army spokesman told Xinhua on telephone that the military is coordinating with the Congolese army (FARDC) to ensure that the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels do not cross into Uganda.

"We are very interested in the situation [rebel attacks] and keenly following it. We are in touch with FARDC to ensure the elements of ADF don't cross to our side to cause any havoc," said Kakurungu.

"We continue to monitor our border with DRC. We have intensified our networks and coordination with the FARDC as they continue to hunt these remnants," he said.

The Al-Qaeda-linked ADF has carried out several attacks in the villages near Beni and killed at least 110 people in the last three weeks, according to aid agencies.

Hundreds of Congolese people on Sunday took to the streets of Beni protesting the ADF killings.

"There is no cause for alarm on Ugandan side. We are still safe. The FADRC is working to eliminate these bad elements," said Kakurungu.

"We appeal to the public to be cautious and remain vigilant for any suspected persons. We shall ensure they don't cross."

The ADF, now thought to have up to 1,200 fighters, has tried to increase its troop numbers through kidnapping and recruitment in North Kivu Province and in Uganda, according to the Ugandan military.

The rebellion group was formed in the mid-1990s in the Ruwenzori mountain range in western Uganda, close to the country's border with DRC. It has killed hundreds in several attacks in Uganda's capital Kampala, and in parts of western Uganda causing the displacement of tens of thousands people.

The group was largely contained in Uganda by 2000, with reportedly just about 100 fighters finding refuge in eastern North Kivu, eastern DRC. Endi