Over 290 former Local Defence Volunteers integrated into UPDF

NTOROKO - The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Mountain Division has integrated 298 former local defence volunteers into its ranks.

The group joins the Forces following a pass-out ceremony held at the Mountain Warfare Training School (MWTS) in Ntoroko District.

During the event on June 28, 2025, Brig Gen Paul Muwonge, then Deputy Commander of the Mountain Division, revealed the collaboration with the group that started in 2023, when, as volunteers, the individuals joined efforts to combat Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorists who had infiltrated parts of the Tooro sub-region, including the districts of Kasese, Kamwenge, and Bunyangabu.

Presiding over the pass-out ceremony, Muwonge praised the new soldiers for their dedication and courage. 

He said that the individuals were already heroes in their villages long before they started formal training with the UPDF.

Presiding over the pass-out ceremony, Muwonge praised the new soldiers for their dedication and courage. 

"Your bravery laid the foundation for today’s achievement,” Brig Gen Muwonge said, according to a release from UPDF communications office.

You're joining the UPDF at a time of ongoing transformation under the leadership of President and Commander-in-Chief Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The UPDF remains a professional and ideologically driven institution, focused on maintaining national stability and adapting to modern security challenges. It is through this leadership that operations like Shujaa were born, operations that seek to neutralise threats from afar to prevent incursions like those of the ADF,”  Muwonge told the recruits.

Brig Gen Muwonge also urged the group to uphold discipline and serve with dedication.

“UPDF is a protector of the people and a symbol of hope. You’re joining a strong team. Just add your bricks as we build Uganda together,” he said.

He also acknowledged the efforts of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba in promoting professionalism and improving soldier welfare.

Col Jedidiah Kiyengo, Commandant of MWTS, reminded the group that military drills signify more than physical movement. 

Relatives of the new recruits attend the pass out.

“These movements reflect unity, cohesion, and a shared mission,” he stated. He went on to highlight that discipline encompasses more than obedience; it involves self-control, accountability, and striving for excellence.

Ntoroko Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mzee Silus, lauded the unity exhibited throughout the training. 

“They came as individuals, but are leaving as a bonded family ready to serve the nation,” he said. He also cautioned locals against encroaching on MWTS land.

The ceremony was witnessed by several senior officers, including Brigade Commander Col Alex Ejangu, Commander 10 MTN Lt Col Ochan, Chief Instructor Maj Kityamuwesi, local leaders, other security officials, and the proud parents of the graduating soldiers.

Last week, Brig. Paul Muwonge was promoted to full Commander of the same division and Operation Shujaa, replacing Major General James Birungi, who handed over office on Monday.

Brig. Paul Muwonge inspects the results of the target shooting exercise.

The ceremony presided over by the Commander Land Force, Lieutenant General Kayanja Muhanga, took place Monday ( June 30th) at the Division Headquarters in Muhooti, Fort Portal.

In the reshuffle announced last week by the CDF's office, Gen Birungi was appointed as Uganda’s Defence Advisor in Burundi.

Fact file

In 2023, the UPDF started the mobilisation and recruitment of Local Defence Personnel (LDPs) in Kasese, Kamwenge, Kitagwenda, Bunyangabo and Kyenjojo districts.

At the time, the military authorities stated that in response to attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces in the Rwenzori Sub-region, President  Yoweri Museveni, who is also the  Commander-in-Chief, directed the reactivation of Local Defence Structures around Kibale National Park and the Greater Rwenzori Sub-region.

Announcing the recruitment plan, Brigadier General Felix Kulayigye, the Defence Spokesperson, said that enrollments were to safeguard communities from ADF threats.