The UPDF has kicked off its nationwide recruitment exercise, with notable progress recorded in Adjumani and Kaabong districts.
The campaign, aimed at bolstering the force with fresh and capable personnel, is being conducted across the country with a strict emphasis on transparency and discipline.
In Adjumani District, the recruitment exercise was held at Paridi Stadium, where 36 candidates were successfully selected. A total of 61 applicants had been shortlisted, but only 51 turned up for the physical screening.
Several were disqualified for various reasons, including failure to produce original academic documents, discrepancies in personal identification, and in one case, attempted fraud using forged credentials, which led to the suspect’s arrest.
Those who passed the screening were issued admission letters and must report individually to the Recruit Training School in Kaweweta, Nakaseke District, within three days.
Meanwhile, in the Karamoja Sub-region, the recruitment exercise continued in Kaabong District under the supervision of Team Seven, led by Colonel Santurino Mashereka Tumuranzye.
From Kaabong, 11 candidates were recruited out of 14 shortlisted, while 6 out of 8 candidates from Karenga District were successfully selected.
Despite the region’s harsh terrain and logistical challenges, the process in Kaabong ran smoothly, thanks to the cooperation between the UPDF team and local leadership.
Authorities credited the success to early mobilisation and community involvement, which ensured timely participation and efficient screening.
Successful candidates have been reminded to report to Kaweweta promptly or risk disqualification. Unlike previous years, recruits are required to travel to the training school at their own expense.
The UPDF recruitment team is set to proceed to Gulu City on August 6, where candidates from Gulu City, Gulu District, and Omoro District will be screened at Pece Stadium.
The team will then move to Kotido and Abim districts on August 7 and 8, respectively, with activities at Kotido District Headquarters.