UPDF recalls veterans for Somalia deployment

Members of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) – Reserve Force are being recalled for retraining ahead of their deployment in Somalia, Col Deo Akiiki, the Deputy Defence Spokesperson, has told Charmar News.

He said that able-bodied veterans who will meet the requirements will be transported to Peace Support Training Center in Nakaseke District for training before forming part of Uganda Battle Groups XXXIX and XI set for engagements in Somalia.

The requirements for veterans to qualify for this exercise are possession of a National Identity Card, a discharge certificate, being 55 years and below and being ready to undergo medical and physical screening to ascertain fitness.

Col Akiiki said this is not the first time that veterans are being recalled to serve their country.

“It is also part of keeping our reservists engaged and our laws allow it. It also gives relief to our main force for them to do retraining and stay ready and fit for other tasks,” Col Akiiki said.

A statement by the UPDF said that veterans from Bukedi, Teso, Elgon and Karamoja Subregions (3 Division Area of Responsibility) are required to report to Bugema Army Barracks in Mbale district and Soroti Flying School in Soroti City for the exercise.

The veterans from the Central region will go to First Division Headquarters in Kakiri, the Western region will go to Second Division Headquarters in Makenke, the Rwenzori region will go to Mountain Headquarters Muhoti Barracks, Northern East Acholi will go to Fifth Division Headquarters Acholi Pii and Northern West Acholi will go to Fourth Division Headquarters Gulu.

While those in Greater Bunyoro should go to FAD Headquarters in Masindi, the Busoga region will go to Gadaffi Barracks in Jinja, the West Nile region will go to 409 Brigade Headquarters Bondi and Greater Masaka should to Armored Brigade Headquarters in Masaka.

The call-up exercise tentatively commences on 15 Feb 2023 and ends 17th Feb 2023.