Uganda People’s Defense Forces –UPDF has stopped Local Defense Unit–LDU personnel from attending daytime security operations.
The communication has come through a statement by the newly appointed Defense Ministry Spokesperson, Brig Flavia Byekwaso saying that much as LDUs have completed a fresher training, they not sgoing to be redeployed, their role is restricted to strengthening night operations so as to curb crime.
They shall also be participating in intelligence led operations on specific targets upon request and support of Uganda Police Force.
“The LDUs shall not participate in daytime enforcement of Covid19 directives outlined by Ministry of Health and head of state,” Brig Byekwaso says.
Over 10 people have been killed by LDUs and other security operatives while enforcing Covid19 preventive directives and guidelines. Some of the victims include Eric Mugasira, the Mukono head teacher and Margret Nanyunja, a resident of Kyengera.
Brig Byekwaso explains that several local leaders and members of the general public have been complaining that the withdrawal of LDUs has seen an increase in criminal activities particularly during night hours.
“Owing to the withdraw of LDUs from active operations to go back for refresher training, the level of criminality has since increased especially during the night. Severally, local leaders and the general public have petitioned security leaders to re-engage them in order to contain the situation,” Brig Byekwaso notes.
More than 6000 LDUs were withdrawn from Kampala and taken to Kakiri army barracks for refresher training. The training was majorly on crowd control, firearm handling and human rights observance.
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