Three individuals have been apprehended in Gulu City for presenting counterfeit academic credentials in an attempt to enlist in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
The arrests took place on Tuesday morning at Pece War Memorial Stadium in Pece-Laroo Division during a screening session for shortlisted applicants from Gulu City, Gulu, and Omoro Districts.
Capt. Ahmed Hassan Kato, the Fourth Infantry Division Public Information Officer, confirmed that the suspects were handed over to the police and are currently detained at Gulu Central Police Station pending further investigation.
According to Capt. Kato, the suspects, whose identities have not been disclosed, were among hundreds of applicants shortlisted for screening. The recruitment slots allocated were 38 for Gulu City, 21 for Gulu District, and 36 for Omoro District. Applicants were required to submit genuine academic documents and national identity cards, and pass medical and physical tests.
Capt. Dr. Alex Kisa emphasized that only medically fit candidates will proceed to training for the UPDF. Medical evaluations include physical examinations for scars, missing teeth, skin conditions, and digits, as well as laboratory tests for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, and diabetes, among others.
Gulu Resident District Commissioner, Alice Akello Opio, reported that out of 63 applicants for 21 slots in Gulu District, only 19 met the qualifications and were shortlisted. One of those selected was arrested for presenting falsified academic records, while three others did not attend.
The UPDF aims to recruit 9,600 soldiers to reinforce its current active force of over 46,000 personnel, with an additional 35,000 reserves, as per data from the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs.
The ongoing countrywide recruitment exercise, which began on July 1, has already enlisted 40 individuals from Adjumani district in Northern Uganda.
