Kenyan arrested trying to join UPDF

UPDF training in Uganda. Photo/FILE

What you need to know:

  • Mr Michael Omondi, 23, was arrested at Tororo recruitment centre.
  • Lt Jimmy Denis Omara, the 3rd Division Army Spokesperson said they scrutinised him and discovered that he is Kenyan.
  • According to the officer, the law does not allow non-citizens to be recruited into any force in Uganda.

A Kenya national has been arrested for allegedly trying to join the Uganda army (UPDF) during a recruitment exercise.

Mr Michael Omondi, 23, was arrested at Tororo recruitment centre at the weekend.

He was one of the hundreds of Ugandans who showed up for recruitment.

Lt Jimmy Denis Omara, the 3rd Division Army Spokesperson said they scrutinised him and discovered that he is Kenyan.

He is son to Samuel Kasalla, a resident of Malaba, Kenya.

According to the officer, the law does not allow non-citizens to be recruited into any force in Uganda.

He said the army is investigating Mr Omondi’s motive of trying to infiltrate the UPDF because such a move cannot be treated lightly.

The officer added that they have asked the police to investigate a Local Council I chairperson in Malaba Town Council, in Uganda, who allegedly recommended Mr Omondi for recruitment.

The suspect is detained at Tororo Central Police Station as investigations progress.

This article first appeared in the Daily Monitor.