By Achingo Patience
Amudat- The recent Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) recruitment exercise in Amudat District has led to significant concerns among the local community about alleged discrimination against Pokot youth. Reports indicate that many young men from the Pokot community, who were eager to join the UPDF, were denied the opportunity, reinforcing a stereotype that Pokots are uninterested in military service.
Community leaders are demanding explanations from the District Internal Security Officer (DISO) and the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) regarding the criteria used for selecting candidates and whether these criteria were applied uniformly. They seek clarity on why Pokot youths were seemingly excluded despite their willingness to serve.
Hon. Betty Chelain, the Woman Member of Parliament for Amudat District, has expressed her concern and solidarity with the affected youth. Known as “Mama Amudat,” she has called for an immediate and transparent investigation into the allegations of discrimination. “It is disheartening to see our youth being denied opportunities. The Pokot community deserves representation in our national forces,” stated Hon. Chelain.
She emphasized the need to address these concerns promptly to restore trust between the community and the security forces and urged the UPDF and other relevant authorities to ensure fairness and inclusivity in future recruitment exercises.
Hon. Chelain also warned against the misuse of office by local leaders during the recommendation process. She cautioned appointment offices like the CAO, RDC, Deputy RDC, and DPC against bringing their own candidates and oppressing the local people. “Amudat is cosmopolitan; we have Karamoja-Pokot, Teso-Pokot, Mgishu-Pokot, Langi-Pokot, Acholi-Pokot. These are children whose parents suffered with us during insecure times, so they deserve to be treated as owners of the land. Wengine wajipange.”
She concluded by demanding a comprehensive list of the successful candidates for scrutiny to ensure transparency and fairness in the recruitment process.
By press time,Attempts to reach the DISO for his opinion were futile.
The community awaits a response from the DISO and RDC, hoping for a resolution that will uphold the rights and aspirations of the Pokot people, highlighting the necessity for targeted programs to encourage Pokot youth to join the military, police, and prison services.