KAMPALA, 13 February (IRIN) - The
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Uganda
is considering a resumption of activities in the north of the country,
just days after it announced a suspension following a rebel ambush
on one of its convoys.
The Federation suspended activities
in Pader, Kitgum and Gulu after six of its employees were ambushed on Saturday
by rebels of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), in Paiula, Pader district.
All six were injured, including three critically, and are being treated in Kitgum hospital. Personal effects and communications equipment were also taken during the attack.
"We definitely plan to resume our activities in the north although we have to get enough guaranteed security to our staff and in addition all our staff have to be in good health," the Secretary General for the Federation in Uganda, Robert Kwesiga, told IRIN. He added that a date had not yet been finalised.
This is the first time the Federation in Uganda has been ambushed by the LRA, who have been fighting against the government for the last 17 years.
[ENDS]
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