MICHAEL A
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) recruitment exercise in Ntungamo district has concluded with 176 successful candidates out of over 300 who turned up for the exercise.
The district had been allocated 196 recruitment slots, but a number of applicants were disqualified due to issues such as lack of proper academic documents, invalid national identification, and health-related complications.
The exercise, held at the Ntungamo district office grounds, was presided over by Col. James Kasule, the UPDF Western Region Recruitment Coordinator, and witnessed by the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC), District Internal Security Officer (DISO), Air Force command officials, and other security personnel.
Col. Kasule urged the new recruits to remain focused and courageous in serving their country. He warned against the practice of bribery in the recruitment process and encouraged any candidate who was asked for money to report such cases. He stressed that the UPDF recruitment process is entirely free and only open to individuals with a genuine desire to serve the nation. The successful candidates were given up to three days to report to Kaweweta for training.
To those who did not qualify, Col. Kasule advised them to remain disciplined and be exemplary citizens within their communities. He encouraged them to consider other fields such as the Local Defence Units (LDUs) or the Uganda Police in future recruitment drives.
Deputy RDC of Ntungamo, Rosemary Atuhaire, also urged the unsuccessful candidates not to give up on their dreams, but to keep working hard and consider contributing to their communities in other productive ways. She emphasized the importance of patriotism and developing personal projects that could sustain them economically as they wait for future opportunities.
While handing over the recruits to the UPDF, Atuhaire highlighted the critical role discipline plays in building a successful career in the armed forces. She expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for the positive transformation seen in the police force, noting that officers are now viewed as protectors rather than threats, contributing to the prevailing peace and freedom in the country.
Brigadier Tabaro, the UPDF Public Relations Officer for Western Uganda, outlined the steps the recruits would undergo after the initial selection, including health examinations and physical fitness tests. He echoed the warning against bribery, stating that anyone caught in such acts would face arrest.
Meanwhile, some parents expressed pride and excitement over their children being successfully recruited. One parent, Philip Akakwasa, said he was overjoyed that his son’s dream of joining the army had come true and was confident he would successfully complete the training.
The recruitment exercise is part of the UPDF’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its ranks with disciplined and committed individuals across the country.
