The Moroto district security committee has expressed concern over the growing indiscipline among Karamojong recruited into the UPDF. It has emerged that some desert the force, while others are engaged in criminal activities.
Justine Samuel Tuko, the Moroto Deputy Resident District Commissioner, noted that despite efforts to attract more Karamojong youth into the army, many are not interested, and that those who join often lack discipline.
Tuko stated that some soldiers who deserted the army have formed groups with warriors, contributing to insecurity in the region. According to Tuko, in 1996, Karamojong youth were hesitant to join the army, perceiving it as a suicide mission.
Tuko observed that most personnel joined the army through local defense units before being integrated into the army. He acknowledged that although the region is allocated army recruitment slots, they often go unfilled, with outsiders occupying the positions.
He revealed that Moroto district was allocated 42 slots during last year’s recruitment, but no Karamojong youth applied.
He urged the soldiers to emphasize discipline and professionalism, stating that the region has experienced insecurity, with armed Karamojong warriors terrorizing communities and engaging in cattle rustling.
On Monday, the UPDF 3rd Division passed out 175 non-commissioned officers who completed a three-month training program.
The institution initially enrolled 211 trainees, but some failed to complete it.Brig Gen Allan Kyangugu, the Deputy Third Division Commander, reported that nine Karamojong were among the group that deserted the training.
Kyangugu warned that action would be taken against those who dodged training, citing indiscipline as a major issue among Karamojong personnel. URN