The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has launched a recruitment exercise to enlist 969 young people from districts across the Busoga sub-region.
The process began in Jinja City earlier this week and will extend to other districts in the coming days. Those being recruited are among 13,000 applicants who registered through the UPDF’s online portal.
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According to Nathan Tumuhairwe, public information officer for the recruitment team in Busoga, the exercise is proceeding smoothly, with strong turnout in most areas. However, he reported challenges, including cases of impostors attempting to use other people’s identities and applicants presenting forged academic documents.
Unlike previous drives, successful recruits will arrange their own transport to the Kaweweta training grounds in Nakaseke District, rather than being taken in army vehicles. They will be issued accreditation cards to present upon arrival for verification.
Some unsuccessful candidates have alleged unfair treatment, saying their disqualifications were based on minor issues. One youth, speaking anonymously, said he was turned away for having a past skin condition, despite it no longer being contagious. Others claimed they were unaware of their shortlisting status due to poor communication.
Tumuhairwe rejected these claims, insisting that all shortlisted applicants were contacted in advance and given details of their recruitment centres.
The Busoga recruitment is part of a nationwide exercise aimed at strengthening the UPDF with new personnel.
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