Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08KAMPALA1600
2008-12-15 14:19:00
SECRET//NOFORN
Embassy Kampala
Cable title:  

EAC CONVENES TO DISCUSS UGANDAN MILITARY ACTIONS

Tags:  ASEC UG 
pdf how-to read a cable
R 151419Z DEC 08
FM AMEMBASSY KAMPALA
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 0979
S E C R E T KAMPALA 001600 


NOFORN
TERREP

DEPT FOR DS/CC, DS/IP/AF, DS/IP/ITA, AF/EX, S/ES-O

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/15/2018
TAGS: ASEC UG
SUBJECT: EAC CONVENES TO DISCUSS UGANDAN MILITARY ACTIONS
AGAINST LRA AND THE HOLIDAY SEASON

REF: A. TD-314/089991-08

B. STATE 129801


Classified By: RSO DANIEL S CRONIN, FOR REASONS 1.4 (C and D)

S E C R E T KAMPALA 001600


NOFORN
TERREP

DEPT FOR DS/CC, DS/IP/AF, DS/IP/ITA, AF/EX, S/ES-O

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/15/2018
TAGS: ASEC UG
SUBJECT: EAC CONVENES TO DISCUSS UGANDAN MILITARY ACTIONS
AGAINST LRA AND THE HOLIDAY SEASON

REF: A. TD-314/089991-08

B. STATE 129801


Classified By: RSO DANIEL S CRONIN, FOR REASONS 1.4 (C and D)


1. (S/NF) SUMMARY: On December 15, 2008 the DCM convened an
Emergency Action Committee (EAC) attended by the RSO, RAO,
CON, DAO, PD, MGT, Peace Corps, CDC, CLO, and USAID. The EAC
discussion was centered on the recent Government of
Uganda (GoU) military actions against the Lord's Resistance
Army (LRA) in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
EAC also discussed the most recent threat reporting
concerning the general ongoing East Africa terrorist threat,
specifically a recent threat concerning al-Shabaab (REF A).
EAC also discussed the Mission's overall security posture
during the holiday season (REF B). END SUMMARY.


2. (S/NF) The EAC discussed the ongoing GoU military actions
against the LRA in the Democratic Republic of
Congo's Garamba National Park. Discussions centered on how
this military action was coordinated between the GoU,
Government of Southern Sudan and the Government of the
Democratic Republic of Congo. The EAC observed that the
news of the military action against the LRA is just now being
reported throughout the various local and international media
outlets and the public's reaction to the military action will
need to be closely monitored. EAC noted that the general
acceptance of military actions was anticipated due to the
collapse of the peace negotiations between the GoU and LRA.
RSO reminded EAC members of the need to take prudent security
measures by avoiding possible demonstrations related to the
military action. The Mission will rely on guidance received
from Washington on public statements and any special travel
message based on the ongoing military activities. POL
reminded the EAC members that the treatment of LRA-related
non-combatants will have a major impact on the public's
reactions to these military actions.


3. (S/NF) RAO briefed EAC members on the recent threat
reporting throughout the East Africa region with particular
emphasis on the threat posed by the Somalia-based al-Shabaab
terrorist organization (REF A). RAO noted that al-Shabaab is
closely linked to the East African al-Qaeda terrorist
organization that has been active throughout the region since
the 1998 East African Embassy bombings. The recent
al-Shabaab threat (REF A) is related to a threat reported in
October 2008 in which the GoU took prudent security measures
by significantly increasing security at perceived "soft
targets". RSO noted that we have not seen a visible increase
in security at "soft targets" but reminded EAC members to
increase their security awareness when visiting hotels,
markets, bars/restaurants, or other perceived soft targets,
particularly during the holiday season when terrorists have
in the past conducted attacks.


4. (S/NF) Next Steps: In addition to a Mission-wide
security notice reminding employees to be vigilant during the
holiday season, RSO will host a discussion for Mission
employees and Eligible Family Members on best practices for
a safe and secure holiday season along with a security
discussion on the shifting terrorist tactics towards
targeting soft targets. RSO informed EAC members of the
security briefing that was conducted last week for the
International School of Uganda (ISU) bus drivers and monitors
on terrorist tactics, Surveillance Detection and
attack recognition. CON will propose a warden message in
consultation with the Department if it appears one is
warranted in reponse to the public reaction to the GoU,s
ongoing military actions in eastern DRC. EAC members
concurred that the Mission's current security posture is
commensurate with the current operating environment in Uganda.


BROWNING