Kasese disarms 400 local defence guards

Jul 15, 2008

THE Kabale district security committee has disarmed 400 local defence unit (LDU) guards

THE Kabale district security committee has disarmed 400 local defence unit (LDU) guards, reports Darious Magara

The deputy resident district commissioner, Shafique Ssekandi, said the decision taken last week was accelerated by reports of misconduct of some of the guards.

He said some had been accused of gross crimes like murder. Two weeks ago, a local defence officer only identified as Kyarikunda shot dead Alex Mbabazi, a resident of Nyabikoni village for unknown reasons.

Ssekandi said sub-counties wishing to retain the LDUs would have to pay them but they would operate without guns.

“But those with good conduct will be absorbed as Special Police Constables,” he added.

The LDUs contracted to guard banks and other institutions, Ssekandi clarified, would be replaced by those from licenced security firms.

He also explained that the Government was disarming the local guards countrywide except those in war zones.

However, the LDU leader in the district, Robert Matsiko, complained that they were sacked without pay.

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