A 27-year-old man has been arrested in Kabale Municipality, southwestern Uganda, for allegedly trying to bribe recruitment officers during the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) enlistment exercise.
The suspect, Esau Niwandinda, who hails from Nyakarambi Cell in Maziba Sub-county, was detained at Kabale Municipal Stadium on the final day of a three-day recruitment drive.
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According to the UPDF, Niwandinda reportedly attempted to offer 1 million Ugandan shillings to officers in exchange for a place in the military.
Major Kiconco Tabaro, spokesperson for the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division, confirmed the arrest and said the suspect was handed over to Kabale Central Police Station for further investigation and possible prosecution.
“He was caught in the act while trying to bribe his way into the army,” said Major Tabaro. “Let it be clear—anyone who thinks they can pay their way into the UPDF is mistaken. Such actions are illegal and will be dealt with under the law.”
Major Tabaro stressed that the recruitment process is strictly merit-based and free of charge, warning the public against attempting to influence it through corruption.
“We are urging people in upcoming recruitment areas—Ntungamo, Rukungiri, Bushenyi, and Mbarara—to refrain from any attempts to bribe. Those who try will be arrested and prosecuted,” he said.
The current recruitment campaign aims to select 1,447 new recruits from Uganda’s western region. Successful candidates are expected to report to Kaweweta Military Training School in Nakaseke District within three days of being accepted.
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