Kampala, Uganda – The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has announced a nationwide recruitment exercise targeting 10,200 personnel, set to run between June and July 2026 in all districts across the country.
The announcement was communicated through a circular from the Office of the President following a formal request by the Chief of Joint Staff, Lt Gen Jack Agonza Bakasumba, who confirmed that the exercise will target Ugandans holding the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE), with a strong emphasis on candidates with science subjects.
In a letter dated May 22, 2026, Lt Gen Bakasumba said the recruitment aims to strengthen the force while promoting fairness and inclusivity across the country.
“The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces is scheduled to conduct a nationwide general recruitment of 10,200 personnel comprising holders of UCE and UACE with a bias in sciences,” he stated.
He further called on local leaders to mobilise eligible youth to participate in the exercise and support the recruitment process at designated centres.
Following the request, the Office of the President directed all Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Deputy RDCs, City Commissioners, and Deputy City Commissioners to spearhead mobilisation and ensure full implementation of recruitment guidelines.
In a circular signed by the Secretary to the Office of the President, Haji Yunus Kakande, officials were instructed to actively mobilise eligible youth and oversee the recruitment exercise in their respective jurisdictions.
District Security Committees were also tasked with coordinating the process and providing logistical support during physical recruitment at designated centres.
APPLICATION TIMELINE AND PROCESS
According to the recruitment roadmap, online applications will run from June 10 to June 24, 2026, followed by the publication of shortlisted candidates between July 1 and July 14 on district notice boards and the UPDF website.
The physical recruitment exercise is scheduled to begin on July 20, 2026, running up to August 1, 2026, across all districts.
Officials said the phased approach is intended to enhance transparency, improve coordination, and ensure wider national participation.
The Directorate of Defence Public Information (DDPI) confirmed that a detailed briefing on the exercise will be issued at the Uganda Media Centre.
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR KAMPALA METRO
In a notable departure from previous recruitment cycles, the Kampala Metropolitan Area—including Kampala City and Wakiso District—will receive special arrangements.
Successful applicants from Kampala divisions will be interviewed at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, while constituencies such as Busiro North, Busiro South, Nansana Municipality, Makindye-Ssabagabo, and Kira Municipality will be treated as independent recruitment units.
SALARY INCREMENT BOOSTS INTEREST
The recruitment drive comes amid significant salary enhancements for UPDF personnel, a factor expected to attract high numbers of applicants.
Under the revised structure:
- A Private will earn Shs828,426 (up from Shs650,000)
- A Lance Corporal will earn Shs1.03 million (from Shs825,000)
- A Corporal will earn Shs1.2 million
- A Sergeant will earn between Shs900,000 and Shs1.3 million
- A Staff Sergeant will earn Shs1.59 million
- Warrant Officer Class II will earn Shs1.85 million
- Warrant Officer Class I will earn Shs2.09 million
The improved pay structure is expected to significantly increase interest in military service, particularly among young Ugandans seeking stable employment opportunities.
However, the salary increment is projected to raise the UPDF wage bill to over Shs1 trillion in the 2026/2027 financial year, adding pressure on government expenditure amid fiscal constraints.
UPDF officials said new safeguards have been introduced to address past concerns over corruption, favouritism, and irregularities in recruitment exercises.
Authorities maintain that the new system will ensure merit-based selection and improved accountability throughout the process.
The recruitment is expected to attract thousands of applicants nationwide, with officials urging all eligible youth to prepare early and follow official guidelines.
