KAMPALA – Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has inaugurated a mountain Division to reinforce security in the Rwenzori region.
A fully-fledged Division will have its headquarters at Muhooti Barracks, Kabarole District.
The region has been under the threat of the Allied Democratic Force (ADF) now located in Eastern DRC.
The Chief of Defence Forces General David Muhoozi in his remarks said that there was an urgent need to create a mountain Division in order to have a specific force that focuses on issues regarding the Rwenzori region which is mountainous.
The Division is now commanded by Brig Gen Moses Kwikiriza formerly the second in command of the 3 Infantry Division. Mountain Division stretches from Katunguru in Kasese district to Mubende and Kyegegwa districts.
Gen Muhoozi furthermore informed that there were already forces in the area before H.E the President of Uganda directed its formation in the region to handle security issues.
“ADF and other negative forces still distabalize the eastern part of DRC and this creates greater threat to our country, the formation of this Division was long overdue,” the CDF observed.
The Commander Land Forces Lt Gen Peter Elwelu who was represented by Maj Gen Sam Kawaga counseled soldiers to remain fit and avoid living a reckless life that will put the security of the region at risk.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by the 5 Infantry Division Commander Brig Gen Steven Mugerwa, all RDCs of the Rwenzori region, heads of other security agencies, UPDF senior officers and local leaders.