Security officials in Kitgum District have arrested three men accused of attempting to bribe their way into the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) during the ongoing nationwide recruitment exercise.
The suspects, none of whom appeared on the official shortlist for Kitgum and Lamwo districts, were reportedly intercepted as they tried to hand cash to the leader of Team Six the Northern Region recruitment unit in exchange for being enlisted.
The suspects identified as, Okema Samuel from Kitgum District, allegedly caught with Shs 200,000, Torach Isaac from Lamwo District, allegedly found with Shs 600,000 and Ocaya Joel from Lamwo District, allegedly carrying Shs 100,000
They have since been transferred to police custody for further investigation.
Despite the incident, recruitment in both districts went ahead as planned.
UPDF revealed that Kitgum District registered 65 successful candidates 59 for regular service (56 male, three female) and seven professionals. In Lamwo, 27 applicants qualified at the physical stage, including 19 male and five female regular recruits, along with three professionals.
The UPDF has repeatedly warned that bribery and influence-peddling will not be tolerated in the recruitment process, stressing that selection is strictly on merit.
