KASESE, Uganda – The ongoing nationwide recruitment of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in Kasese District faced significant disruption on Monday when unqualified individuals attempted to bypass the official selection process.
The UPDF recruitment team initially planned to shortlist candidates who had submitted written applications months earlier, inviting them to the usual recruitment site at Mayor’s Gardens. However, they encountered numerous applicants who were either over the age limit or lacked the required Senior Four (S.4) academic documents.
In an interview with the press, Major Bilal Katamba, the spokesperson for the UPDF Mountain Division and Operation Shujaa, revealed that the district security team advised relocating the recruitment process to Rwenzori Square, a more secure, fenced venue. “It was a very big challenge for us until we got a gazetted place,” Maj. Katamba said.
The goal of the recruitment exercise is to enlist 140 qualified candidates from Kasese District. The UPDF bases its recruitment quotas on projected population figures for each district and city in Uganda.
Candidates first applied and now must present their valid S.4 academic documents. They must be between the ages of 18 and 23 and will undergo medical check-ups. The UPDF aims to recruit 9,627 youths aged 18-22 from all 135 districts in the country.
The recruitment exercise is scheduled to end on July 14, 2024.
UPDF Recruitment Process Details
The following table provides an overview of the key details of the UPDF recruitment process in Kasese:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Recruitment Site | Mayor’s Gardens |
| New Recruitment Site | Rwenzori Square |
| Disruptions Faced | Over-age applicants, lack of S.4 documents |
| District Security Team Advice | Relocate to a more secure, fenced venue |
| Spokesperson | Major Bilal Katamba |
| Recruitment Target for Kasese | 140 candidates |
| Age Requirement | 18-23 years |
| Total Recruitment Target | 9,627 youths aged 18-22 from 135 districts |
| Recruitment Exercise End Date | July 14, 2024 |
The UPDF’s recruitment drive is a significant nationwide effort to bolster its ranks, and securing appropriate candidates is critical for the process’s success.
