UGANDA: ADF CLASH WITH UPDF NEAR TOURIST LODGE

UNCLAS KAMPALA 000637 SIPDIS SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CASC MOPS PINR UG SUBJECT: UGANDA: ADF CLASH WITH UPDF NEAR TOURIST LODGE ¶1. (SBU) Summary: The Uganda People's Defense Force (UPDF) and the rebel Allied Democratic Front (ADF) continue to clash in western Uganda. American citizens in the region have been warned to avoid traveling in the Bundidugyo District and the popular Semliki Safari Lodge has closed for two weeks due to the conflict. End Summary. ¶2. (SBU) On April 13, the UPDF engaged in an intense, but short firefight with ADF rebels approximately two kilometers from the Semliki Safari Lodge in the Bundidugyo District in western Uganda. This engagement was a continuation of the UPDF's three-week old campaign to root out a group of approximately 80 ADF that entered Western Uganda between March 23-25 and others that may have infiltrated in 2006. The number of ADF rebels killed in the recent conflict continues to grow with at least 65 ADF rebels killed in the region since the offensive began. ¶3. (SBU) Post's consular section sent its second warden message in two-weeks concerning ADF rebel activities in the region. A consular officer spoke with one of the two American citizen managers of the Semliki Safari Lodge on the afternoon of April 13, 2007 during the firefight. The manager said that three other American citizens were present at the lodge at the time of the fighting, but all were safe and didn't feel they were in danger. She also noted that the UPDF had set up a temporary headquarters near the lodge, which resulted in a large military presence. Post was informed on April 14 that the lodge decided to close for two weeks while the UPDF continued its offensive to eliminate the ADF in the region. ¶4. (SBU) The RSO contacted the officer in charge of police in the Bundidugyo District, who confirmed early reports of the conflict, and later reported on April 14 that the road to and from the Semliki Safari Lodge was open. ¶5. (SBU) The military reportedly will continue its operations against the ADF until it eliminates the rebels. Post continues to monitor the situation closely, and is taking measures to re-notify Americans of the dangers of travel in the region. In recent months, Post's Restricted Area Travel Request policy for official Americans was updated to include districts in western Uganda with known ADF presence. In addition, the Consular Information Sheet is being updated to include a warning about travel in key western Uganda districts. BROWNING