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LDU recruits start range shooting drills, locals cautioned
GULU. The Army has cautioned locals in Gulu District not to panic to the sounds of heavy gunshots as Local Defence Unit [LDU] recruits embark on massive range shooting drills on Thursday.
More than 1,000 LDU recruits have for the last two months been undergoing intense military training at Lugore training wing in Palaro Sub-county, some 34 Kilometers outside Gulu Town.
The army begun recruiting LDU’s in September this year following directives from President Museveni in a bid to strengthen security following several spates of murder within and outside Kampala.
The Fourth Infantry Division Spokesperson Maj Caesar Otim Olweny told journalists in Gulu town Wednesday that the range shooting exercise will start on November 29 until December 1 this year.
“The recruits have been undergoing military training for the past two months, they are moving on well with the training. Tomorrow [Thursday], we shall start range shooting exercise that runs till December 1,” Maj Olweny said.
Maj Olweny however, cautioned community members within the areas of the shooting range not to panic since its military exercise.
He also warned locals who would intend to carry on with their businesses within the proximity to be extra careful to avoid injuries and possible fatalities.
“When you hear the gun shots, don’t get scared, it’s part of the ongoing training. To the people living in the area, who may be looking for firewood, charcoal, and hunting, they should not get closer to the site to avoid occurrences of injuries or even fatalities,” Maj Olweny.
said.
Maj Olweny said they have given out letters to the respective local leaders in Palaro Sub-county to help in sensitizing locals of the ongoing ranger shooting exercise.
A total of 24,000 strong force of LDU personnel are expected to be deployed across the country by January next year to beef up security.
