UPDF to issue name tags for LDUs

LDU | UPDF | INDISCIPLINE

Following the increasing cases of indiscipline by the Local Defense Unit (LDU) officers, the army is to issue nametags on their uniforms.

The army spokesperson, Brig, Richard Karemire said this is aimed at making it easy for the public to identify those in their areas.

For the last four months, there has been several incidents of beating and reckless shooting of innocent civilians by LDUs in efforts to enforce curfew guidelines.

Some of these gruesome acts have resulted into loss of lives.

Addressing journalists at the Uganda Media Centre, Karemire disclosed that the army leadership has already resolved to provide nametags to LDUs just like other forces including police, prisons, and police.

Early this week, the UPDF arrested two LDUs and two UPDF officers for manhandling the Mityana Municipality chairperson and are yet to face the army court.

The four include; L/Cpl Simon Peter Angura and Pte Somin Odeke (UPDF), Caroline Musundi and Isaac Okello (LDUs).

Another soldier and LDU were sentenced to 35 years imprisonment and life sentence respectively all because of unprofessionalism.  

"The UPDF regrets the gross acts of indiscipline that is not characteristic of the UPDF as a people's army," Karemire noted.

He said the UPDF wishes to reiterate its full commitment and loyalty to the people of Uganda and will always remain subordinate to the civilian authority as provided for under Article 208 of the Constitution.

He stressed that the UPDF continues to educate the LDUs through various trainings, on various laws and political education.

"It a process to bring these LDUs to the high standards that we want. The few mistakes by some LDUs should not disappoint you. We shall continue to handle case by case," he added.