UPDF deploys special force in Rwenzori region

SECURITY

The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) has deployed a special force in the Rwenzori region.

According to the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. David Muhoozi, the fully-fledged division will have its headquarters at Muhooti Barracks in Kabarole district.

Dubbed as the mountain division, Muhoozi said, its reach will stretch from Katunguru in Kasese district, Mubende and Kyegegwa districts.

A statement issued by UPDF on Wednesday noted that the newly deployed mountain division will help the region combat threats from pockets of terror groups such as the Allied Democratic Force (ADF).

"The region has been under the threat of ADF now located in Eastern DRC," UPDF officials noted.

The division will be commanded by Brig. Moses Kwikiriza, the former commander of the third infantry division.

Speaking to the commanders, Muhoozi said the President Yoweri Museveni, who is also the Commander-in-Chief, directed the UPDF to form the mountain division to handle security issues in the region.

"ADF and other negative forces still destabilise the Eastern part of DRC and this creates greater threat to our country. The formation of this division was long overdue," Muhoozi said.