The Uganda Peoples Defense Force (UPDF) announced the recall of more than 2500 reserves for possible deployment to Somalia to battle Al-Qaeda affiliated Al-Shabaab and ISIS fighters.
According to the commander of the Reserve Force of the UPDF, Lt. Gen. Charles Otema, all is set for the process which will kick off on Monday next week.
The recalled military veterans set to form Uganda Battle Group 31 and 32 to boost UPDF operations under African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), Gen. Otema added.
According to UPDF Gen. Otema the recall only targets retired veterans from the rank of Major and below aged 55 years with no criminal record. The candidates thoroughly to be screened for physical, medical and mental fitness, UPDF reserve force commander.
The Ugandan forces which was first deployed in Somalia in March 2007 made similar veteran recall to boost the African Union peacekeeping mission (AMISOM) in 2012.
UPDF is the largest troops contributing country to the AU mission in Somalia battling terrorist groups. Other AMISOM troops contributing countries include Kenya, Burundi, Djibouti and Ethiopia
