Anger is boiling within Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces rank and file over “unfair” policy of making soldiers sit for exams for promotion.
Two years ago, UPDF introduced exams for army officers on the ranks of Lieutenant ad captain to sit for exams before they are promoted but what seemed to be good policy is now becoming an eminent disaster within UPDF which has been credited for its efforts bring peace in the region.
Soldiers especially those from Command say they are made to sit for exams with their colleagues who have course from which they derive questions from.
Officers from Command are not normally given opportunities to go for courses. Some officers who talked to EagleOnline but sought anonymity because they lack authority to talk to the media say this unfair promotion on policy is a threat to cohesion in the force.
Already, soldiers have been complaining about their colleagues who meteorically get promotions while others stay for decades on the same rank.
The army says soldiers are promoted depending on courses done, discipline and hard work. But some soldiers say they are not given chances to go for courses.
Since 1986, when President Yoweri Museveni who doubles as the commander of armed forces captured power, there has been discipline and progression of cohesion and respect among forces as compared to the past.
