UPDF dance, feast in Gulu

Dec 28, 2004

UPDF soldiers in Gulu took time off on Monday, feasted and danced through the night at Pece stadium.<br>The soldiers, under the 4th division, were drawn from several battle fronts in Gulu, Arua and Apac districts. They danced throughout the night.

By Justin Moro
and Chris Ochowun

UPDF soldiers in Gulu took time off on Monday, feasted and danced through the night at Pece stadium.
The soldiers, under the 4th division, were drawn from several battle fronts in Gulu, Arua and Apac districts. They danced throughout the night.

The party attracted hundreds of uninvited guests, who climbed and sat on the wall fence of the stadium to have a clear spectacle of the dancing soldiers.

State minister for education in charge of sports Henry Okello Oryem and army commander Lt. Gen. Aronda Nyakairima attended.

Army officers were visibly amazed when a soldier took to the stage and sang Jose Chameleone’s Mambo Bado song.

Col. Mugisha wondered how the soldier could recite the lyrics yet he had been fighting LRA rebels in the bush.

The party started at midday and went on till dawn. Five bulls were slaughtered.

The army band, led by Maj. Anywar, entertained the guests.

Musicians who performed included Kaweesa, Reggae Dee, Loketo Lee, Isaac Ricci Limit-X, Sauti and local Acholi artistes Bosnick Otim and Jehria Okwera.

The crowd cheered when Oryem said he had wanted to join the army, particularly because he liked the army band.

The party was organised by Foot Soldier Foundation, the uganda telecom, Simba Telecom and Pepsi.

“We are holding our hearts because if the Kony rebels sneak in and attack the camps, the 4th division commander, col. Nathan Mugisha, who brought all these foot soldiers here, would be in trouble,” Nyakairima said as the crowd ululated in applause.

Outside the stadium, the UPDF Regimental Police maintained tight security. The armoured vehicles and armed soldiers were deployed around the stadium.

The regional army spokesman, Lt. Paddy Ankunda, recited a poem written by a mobile unit soldier, who was absent due to the tight work schedule.

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