The Uganda Peoples Defense Force has announced the recall of more than 2500 reserves for possible deployment to Somalia for peacekeeping missions.
The commander of the Reserve Force of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), Lt. Gen. Charles Otema said all is set for the process which will kick off on Monday next week.
“The mobilized veterans will form Uganda Battle Group 31 and 32 to augment UPDF operations under African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM),” Gen. Otema said.
According to UPDF the recall only targets retired veterans from the rank of Major and below aged 55 years with no criminal record.
“They should be aged 55 years and below, with no criminal record. The candidates will be screened for physical, medical and mental fitness,” UPDF reserve force commander, Gen. Charles Otema assured.
The Ugandan military which was first deployed in Somalia in March 2007 made similar veteran recall to boost the African Union peacekeeping mission (AMISOM) in 2012.
Kampala is the largest troops contributing country to the AU mission in Somalia.
