Parliament urges Govt to reactivate LDUs amid rising insecurity

KAMPALA - Parliament has asked the Government to consider reactivating local defence units (LDUs) to help curb rising insecurity following a series of deadly attacks in Mubende, Kyegegwa and other districts.

This was after Members of Parliament from Mubende and Kyegegwa raised concerns over the killing of residents in their constituencies and growing fear among communities.

Dedan Mubangizi, the MP of Buwekula South in Mubende, told Parliament that five people had been killed and five others critically injured in a series of attacks on households in his constituency last Friday and Saturday.

He commended the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) for responding to the attacks but called for urgent action to prevent further loss of life.

Speaker of Parliament Jacob Markson Oboth expressed concern over the attacks, questioning the nature of the violence and warning that Parliament needed clear answers from the security authorities. (All Photos by Miriam Namutebi)

The concerns were also presented by MP Bright Tom Amooti (Kyaka Central County), who reported that five people were killed in Kyegegwa last Thursday.

Amooti said the insecurity had left many residents afraid to sleep in their homes, raising concerns about the safety of families and their ability to continue with their daily activities.

He called on the ministers responsible for internal affairs, security and defence to present a comprehensive statement to Parliament explaining the security situation and outlining measures being taken to protect the affected communities.

'Hooliganism?'

Speaker of Parliament Jacob Markson Oboth expressed concern over the attacks, questioning the nature of the violence and warning that Parliament needed clear answers from the security authorities.

“Is it hooliganism? A rebel activity? What is it? Someone needs to come and tell us tomorrow because we don't know who is going to be killed next."

Oboth directed the responsible minister to report to the House on the security situation in the affected districts, emphasising the need for urgent intervention to protect residents from further attacks.

He also warned that insecurity is disrupting livelihoods, noting that fear is forcing some residents to abandon farming and other economic activities.

Weighing in, Kalungu County West MP Joseph Ssewungu argued that the Police alone cannot provide security in every community and called for greater involvement of local leadership in preventing crime.

“Police cannot be everywhere,” he said, adding that recently elected Local Council I (LCI) leaders could play a role in strengthening security within their communities.

He urged the government to train local defence personnel and equip community-level structures to handle security concerns while allowing the Police to provide additional support where necessary

“Reactivate local defence units so as you curb the insecurity."

Minister no-show

Responding to the issues raised, Government Chief Whip Dr Jane Ruth Aceng asked Parliament to allow Police more time to investigate the killings in Mubende and other affected districts

Her appeal for additional time came as legislators pressed for immediate answers and a coordinated response to the attacks.

But the MPs demanded to know why the internal affairs minister was not in the House to respond to the issues.

Kazo County MP Dan Kimosho questioned the absence of ministers during discussions on matters affecting their respective sectors, saying the Government Chief Whip was frequently left to relay concerns to the relevant officials.

“We have 82 ministers in this government, rhetorically speaking. Why can't they have a roster?

“The Chief Whip has become a messenger to the ministers,” added Kimosho.