Uganda National Rescue Front

(Redirected from UNRF II)

The Uganda National Rescue Front (UNRF) refers to two former armed rebel groups in Uganda's West Nile sub-region that first opposed, then became incorporated into the Ugandan armed forces.

Uganda National Rescue Front
LeadersMoses Ali
Active regionsUganda (mainly in West Nile)
IdeologyIdi Amin loyalism
Part ofWest Nile rebels
Allies Uganda government (1985–1986)
 Libya (until 1985)
 Saudi Arabia
Opponents Uganda government (1981–1985)
Battles and warsUganda Bush War

UNRF

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The first entity called Uganda National Rescue Front, also known as "National Salvation Front",[1] was formed to oppose Milton Obote during his second term (1980–1985) as president of Uganda. The UNRF was composed of former supporters of Idi Amin, and headed by Brigadier Moses Ali, formerly Amin's Minister of Finance.[2]

After the fall of Obote in July 1984/5, over 1,000 cadres of the UNRF joined Yoweri Museveni's government. Luwero Moses Ali held a large number and variety of positions in Museveni's government, including Minister of Tourism and Wildlife,[3][4] and Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport. In April 1990 he was arrested on treason charges, and incarcerated until June 1992, when he was released and acquitted.[5] This did not prevent his appointment as Minister of Internal Affairs, Minister for Disaster Preparedness, and Deputy Prime Minister.

UNRF II

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UNRF II insurgency
Date1996 – 2002
Location
Status ceasefire
Belligerents
  Uganda UNRF II
Commanders and leaders
  Yoweri Museveni Ali Bamuze

The Uganda National Rescue Front II was a group that broke away from the West Nile Bank Front in 1996, and included members of the original UNRF that did not make peace with Museveni. It operated mostly in Aringa County, Arua District, out of bases in southern Sudan, and received support from the Sudanese government (the National Islamic Front), in retaliation for Ugandan government's support for the Sudan People's Liberation Army. It was led by Major General Ali Bamuze.

On December 24, 2002, the UNRF II signed a formal ceasefire with the government in the town of Yumbe in northwestern Uganda. The terms included a battalion of UNRF II soldiers being incorporated into the Ugandan army, and USh 4.2 billion being distributed to the group. Moses Ali is reported to have participated in the negotiations.[6]

References

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  1. ^ Avirgan & Honey 1983, p. 231.
  2. ^ "Uganda National Rescue Front". www.globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 2024-01-19.
  3. ^ "Uganda - SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT". countrystudies.us. Retrieved 2024-01-19.
  4. ^ "TODAY IN HISTORY: Moses Ali's rebels joins govt forces". Monitor. 2023-11-16. Retrieved 2024-01-19.
  5. ^ "HOSTILE TO DEMOCRACY". www.hrw.org. Retrieved 2024-01-19.
  6. ^ "Ceasefire Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Uganda and the Uganda National Rescue Front II | UN Peacemaker". peacemaker.un.org. Retrieved 2024-01-19.

Works cited

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