The Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) has announced the mobilisation and recruitment of Local Defence Personnel (LDPs) in the districts of Kamwenge, Kitagwenda, Bunyangabo, Kyenjojo and Kasese.
According to the army, the announcement is in line with president Yoweri Museveni’s directive following several attacks in the Rwenzori Sub-region by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorists.
UPDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Felix Kulayigye, the President who is also the Commander-in-Chief directed for the reactivation of Local Defence Structures in the areas surrounding Kibale National Park and Greater Rwenzori Sub-region, to protect communities against attacks by the ADF.
The recruitment Kulayigye says will be conducted in two phases: Phase 1 will run from 27th December 2023 to 10th January 2024, and will cover the districts of Kamwenge, Kitagwenda and Bunyangabo.
Phase 2 will cover the districts of Kyenjojo, Kyegegwa and Kasese. Phase 2 will begin immediately after Phase 1 and will be conducted as in Phase 1.
The mobilisation and recruitment will be conducted in sixty (60) Parishes/Wards according to the Quota system. Each Parish/Ward shall contribute 12 recruits, making a total of 720 personnel in phase 1.
The Criteria for recruitment shall be as follows:
They must be citizens of Uganda aged between 18 and 45 years, ready to Volunteer Service, physically and medically fit, and they must have a minimum education of Primary Seven (P.7).
The candidates should also present duly signed letters of recommendation from the LC1Chairperson, Defence Secretary and DISO/GISO.
They should also be residents of the area, with no criminal record, well disciplined, and with no other employment/Engagement.
The mobilisation will be conducted by the Resident District Commissioner, Deputy Resident District Commissioners, Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, Uganda Police Force, Internal Security Organisation, LC1 Chairpersons and Secretaries for Defence.