The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has passed out 3,000 Local Defence Unit (LDU) personnel who have been undergoing training at Olilim army training school in Katakwi District.
They were passed out on Friday by the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (D/CDF), Lt Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi.
Lt Gen Mbadi cautioned LDUs against hiring out uniforms and guns to criminals.
“Today we are passing you on behalf of Chief of Defence Forces who delegated me on his behalf to pass you out. Your most welcome to UPDF fellowship but please maintain discipline and hard work,” he said.
Gen Mbadi advised the LDUs to remain healthy, avoid deserting the force saying the country was in need of their service.
Brig Joseph Balikudembe, the 3rd division commander said the 3,000 personnel were recruited within the regions under his division which includes Teso, Sebei, Bugisu, Busogo and Karamoja sub regions.
Brig Balikudembe said the LDUs had been on training since September last year and they would be deployed in various army units in Karamoja to help UPDF fight the resurrecting cattle theft in the region.
Karamoja sub region has been relatively peaceful for the last 10 years after government carried out successful disarmament exercise. However, last year, the region was thrown into panic when armed cattle rustlers started invading the kraals.
“You’re going to be deployed in various units in Karamoja and we expect you to apply the same tactics that you have acquired from the training to defeat the cattle theft and protect the country,” Brig Balikudembe said.
The pass out ceremony was attended by officials from Karamoja districts, Teso, Sebei and Bugisu regions.d.monitor
