The Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) has initiated the recruitment of Local Defense Units (LDUs) in the districts of Kamwenge, Kitagwenda, Bunyangabo, Kyenjojo, and Kasese in response to recent Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) attacks in the Rwenzori subregion. President Museveni directed this move to enhance community protection against ADF terrorists.
According to Defence spokesperson Felix Kulayigye, the recruitment will occur in two phases. The first phase, running from December 27, 2023, to January 10, 2024, will cover the districts of Kamwenge, Kitagwenda, and Bunyangabo. The second phase will commence immediately after, focusing on the districts of Kyenjojo, Kyegegwa, and Kasese.
Kulayigye explained that the first phase aims to recruit 720 personnel from sixty parishes, with each contributing 12 recruits.
Recent ADF attacks in Kamwenge district on Christmas Day resulted in at least three fatalities, occurring just a week after another attack that claimed the lives of ten people in the same area. The ADF, based in Congo, has been crossing into Uganda to terrorize civilians.
President Museveni directed the reactivation of LDUs in areas surrounding national parks and forests, intending to transform vulnerable civilian areas into fortified local points to counter terrorist attacks on unarmed civilians.
The Defence Ministry specified that recruits must be Ugandan citizens aged 18 to 45, physically fit, and possess at least a primary leavers certificate. Letters of recommendation from the LC1 Chairperson, Defence Secretary, and DISO/GISO are also required.
The mobilization process involves various authorities, including the Resident District Commissioner, Deputy Resident District Commissioners, UPDF, Uganda Police Force, Internal Security Organisation, LC1 Chairpersons, and Secretaries for Defence.
