The Ugandan president, Yoweri Museveni, is reported to have ordered the arrest of a number of army officers involved in illegal business transactions while on duty in the Congo Democratic Republic.

The New Vision newspaper said Mr Museveni's directive followed allegations by opposition politicians that army officers deployed in Congo to stop Ugandan rebel infiltration were engaged in illegal gold and timber dealing.

Mr Museveni has stressed that his troops must maintain discipline so that they are not misunderstood by the Congolese people.