The Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) has initiated the recruitment of personnel for Local Defense Units (LDUs) in the districts of Kamwenge, Kitagwenda, Bunyangabo, Kyenjojo, and Kasese in response to recent attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in the Rwenzori subregion.
This action comes following a directive from President Museveni, instructing the enlistment of LDUs in the areas surrounding Kibale National Park and the Greater Rwenzori Sub-region to safeguard communities against ADF terrorist threats. As outlined by Defence spokesperson Felix Kulayigye, the recruitment process will unfold in two phases. The first phase is scheduled from Wednesday, December 27th, 2023, to January 10th, 2024, covering the districts of Kamwenge, Kitagwenda, and Bunyangabo.
The subsequent phase will commence immediately after, encompassing the districts of Kyenjojo, Kyegegwa, and Kasese. Kulayigye mentioned that the recruitment will take place in sixty parishes, with each contributing 12 recruits, amounting to a total of 720 personnel in the initial phase. Suspected ADF terrorists carried out a fresh attack on Christmas Day in Kamwenge district, resulting in the tragic loss of at least three lives. This incident occurred in Nyabitutsi village, Businge parish, Kamwenge sub-county, just a week after another ADF attack claimed the lives of ten people in the same area.
The ADF, based in Congo, has been infiltrating Uganda, posing a significant threat to civilian populations. Notably, British citizen David Barlow and his South African wife Emmaretia Geyer were fatally shot during their honeymoon in Uganda on October 17, 2023, while visiting the Queen Elizabeth National Park.
President Museveni, responding to the repeated atrocities by ADF infiltrators, directed the UPDF to reactivate LDUs in areas surrounding Queen Elizabeth National Parks, Kibaale Forests, the forests in Kyenjojo and Kagadi, Semuliki National Park, and Bwindi National Park. Museveni emphasized the need to counter ADF’s cowardly attacks by transforming vulnerable civilian targets into secure local strongholds.
The Defence Ministry outlined specific eligibility criteria for recruits, specifying that they must be Ugandan citizens aged between 18 and 45, willing to provide voluntary service. Additionally, recruits must be physically fit, possess at least a primary school leaving certificate, and furnish signed letters of recommendation from the LC1 Chairperson, Defence Secretary, and DISO/GISO. The mobilization efforts will be coordinated by various authorities, including Resident District Commissioners, Deputy Resident District Commissioners, UPDF, Uganda Police Force, Internal Security Organisation, LC1 Chairpersons, and Secretaries for Defence.
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