Uganda has started training 2,000 veteran soldiers for deployment as a peacekeeping force in Somalia in March or April 2013, Uganda's New Vision reported Thursday (November 29th).

The recruitment exercise began on Monday and will conclude on Saturday (December 1st). It targets veterans, retired soldiers, local defence units and members of auxiliary forces, said Army spokesman Colonel Felix Kulayigye.

"Training a new soldier requires nine months of training, yet you need only three months to polish up a veteran," Kulayigye said. "Besides, this will provide a source of employment for our veterans." Training is expected to begin next month at the Peace Support Operations Training School in Singo.

Ugandan soldiers in Somalia operate under the umbrella of the African Union Mission in Somalia. The new recruits will replace a contingent of Ugandan forces returning from Somalia next year.