Army passes out 400 LDUs in Karamoja
UPDF Chief of Staff of the Land Forces Brig Leopold Kyanda(2nd L), inspects a guard of honour mounted by the Karimojong Local Defence Unit personnel who were passed out at Olilim Army Training School, last Tuesday. Photo by Steven Ariong
Katakwi- The UPDF has passed out 400 Karimojong youth as Local Defence Unit (LDU) personnel.
They were passed out in Olilim Army Training School on Tuesday.
This brings the total number of the Karimojong that have been recruited as LDUs to 5,000.
Capt Jimmy Omara, the UPDF 3rd Division spokesperson, said their recruitment was a directive by President Museveni to enable them help soldiers to get rid of cattle rustling in the sub- region.
During the 2010 campaigns, the President directed the army to recruit the reformed Karimojong warriors.
This was after Karimojong leaders pointed out that recruiting the Karimojong youth in LDU would help to get rid of cattle rustling because they knew the routes of rustlers.
While passing out the LDUs, Brig Leopold Kyanda, the UPDF Chief of Staff of the Land Forces, warned them against deserting and advised them to work and keep healthy and maintain high levels of discipline.
“You are now in the system, you need to work hard to improve the security of our region, you will be getting your monthly payment, uniform and medical care that other UPDF soldiers get because you are now part of the team,” he said.
He warned them against running around with women after getting salaries.
He also cautioned the army commanders against harassing the LDU personnel.
