UPDF starts second recruitment of LDUs

The Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) has embarked on the second phase of recruitment of Local Defence Units (LDUs) in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area which covers three districts.

The screening of potential recruits is taking place in the parishes of Kampala District and neighbouring major trading centers along the highways in Mukono and Wakiso Districts.

The exercise will be held in six zones spread across Kampala Wakiso and Mukono Districts that form the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area.

The LDU recruitment follows a directive by President Yoweri Museveni last month to call up reservists, shortly after the assassination of former Buyende District Police Commander, Muhammad Kirumira.

Museveni ordered for deployment of 24,000 LDUs to reinforce security presence especially in urban centers across the country to tame a wave of killings that appeared to have stretched the Police.

Other high profile assassinations that have sent a wave of shock in the public include that of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Andrew Felix Kaweesi, former Arua Municipality MP Ibrahim Abiriga, Maj. Mohammed Kiggundu and the Senior Principal State Attorney, Joan Namazzi Kagezi.

The recruitment of LDUs, led by UPDF officers, kicked off last month with the first phase attracting over 6,000 on the first day of the three-day programme.

The exercise is coordinated by UPDF, Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prison Services and Internal Security Organization (ISO) on with the assistance of local authorities.

Potential candidates must be citizens of Uganda and must be in possession of original national identity card. One must also be healthy and medically fit; ready to undergo medical and physical body check.

This will involve a road run to test endurance and body fitness. The medical, mental and physical fitness checks will be made at the recruitment center as well as at the training school.

Prospective recruits must be aged between 18 and 35 years with a minimum formal education of P.7 (PLE) to S.4 (UCE) or its equivalent and preferably with no other formal engagement or employment.

Those seeking to join the force will need to present letters of recommendations from their respective LC1 Chairpersons, LC1 Secretary for Defence, PISO and GISO.

According to the guidelines, the recruits must be residents of the area, with no criminal record. In Kampala, the recruitment exercise will be held in all the divisions except Nakawa.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the exercise will be held at Kira Road Police playground and Old Kampala and Growers Cooperative Grounds.

From Thursday to Saturday, the exercise will take place at Makindye Gombolola Headquarters and on Friday and Saturday at Old Kampala and Wankulukuku grounds.

In Wakiso, the recruitment will be held at Nsangi Sub-county hea offices, Bbira Church of Uganda, Nabweru playground, Kawanda playground, Namboole Stadium, Kiira Play Ground, Kasangati Playground (near Kasangati Police station); Batabata Playground, Katabi Subcounty Headquarters and Wakiso District headquarters.

In Mukono district, potential recruits will be screened at Mukono District headquarters, Mbalala trading centre, Nakifuma Saza headquarters and Ntenjeru Subcounty Headquarters.