The Uganda People’s Defence Forces –UPDF has arrested a Local Defence Unit –LDU deserter accused of participating in various robberies in Kampala and its neighbouring places.
Asan Mayanja, an LDU deserter disappeared from Lubaga battalion early this year and has allegedly been cited in various robberies.
UPDF First Division Spokesperson, Maj Bilal Katamba, confirmed that Mayanja was arrested by intelligence team deployed to track his movements. LDUs are superintended by UPDF First Division which is commanded by Maj Gen Samuel Kawagga.
Maj Katamba said Mayanja has allegedly committed crimes in areas such as Lubaga and Kyengera town council. The suspect according to Maj Katamba will be arraigned in General Court Martial to face offences of desertion and robberies.
//cue in “omu kubali…
Cue out “…ne Kasozi John”//
Kampala has more than 6,000 LDUs that were deployed to back up police officers in providing security for Kampala, Mukono and Wakiso residents. President Yoweri Museveni ordered for recruitment and deployment of LDUs in 2018 when violent crimes such as murders, assassinations and kidnaps were rampant.
Since the LDUs deployment, there have more complaints than their services as people accused them of conducting roadblocks, extortion, and theft and gun mismanagement. Early this year, UPDF’s Unitary Disciplinary Courts –UDCs tried more than 100 LDUs for committing several crimes.
More than 10 people have been shot dead by LDUs in places such as Nansana, Kira Road, Old Kampala, Mutundwe, Mukono and Lubaga. One of the latest victims is Dan Kyazze, a member of People Power political group who was shot dead on February 25 at Nansana as the group led by Kyadondo East MP, Robert Kyagulanyi, returned from their colleague’s burial in Kiboga.
Chief of Defence Forces –CDF Gen David Muhoozi, on Monday, ordered for the arrest of LDUs who clobbered street vendors in the guise of implementing Museveni orders intended to contain Covid-19 spread.
The News Editor ,Reporter at Kagadi Kibaale community Radio
