The Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) has apprehended six individuals in Kitgum for submitting forged academic documents during the ongoing recruitment exercise for the infantry division in Kitgum and Lamwo districts. The arrests took place on Friday, July 5, 2024, at Kitgum Bomah ground, where hopeful recruits had gathered for document verification.
According to Captain Kato Ahmad Hassan, the UPDF 4th Infantry Division Public Information Officer, who also serves as the Public Information Officer for the National Recruitment team in West and East Acholi, the day began with screening candidates. Out of ten initially questioned for suspected document forgery, four admitted guilt and were pardoned, while the remaining six denied wrongdoing and were subsequently taken to Kitgum Central Police Station for further investigation.
Recruitment Details and Disqualifications
The recruitment drive commenced promptly at 7:30 am, aiming to enlist new personnel from Kitgum and Lamwo districts into the UPDF. However, ten applicants were disqualified early in the process due to failure to meet stipulated criteria, which include possessing a National Identity Card and an ‘O’ level Certificate.
Hundreds of young men and women gathered at Kitgum Bomah Ground, demonstrating eagerness to join the armed forces. Despite their enthusiasm, strict document checks led to many being turned away before they could proceed to medical and physical tests, overseen by sub-county and district leaderships for transparency.
Legal Ramifications and Process
SP Peter Oyesiyge, the Kitgum District Police Commander, highlighted the legal implications of forgery under sections 342 and 347 of the Penal Code Act, involving the creation of false documents with intent to deceive or defraud. He emphasized that the offense encompasses fabricating documents or making significant alterations to existing ones.
During the verification process, UPDF personnel meticulously scrutinized documents and conducted fingerprint checks to ensure authenticity. The rigorous checks underscored the military’s commitment to upholding integrity in its recruitment procedures, despite some applicants succumbing to stress and collapsing during physical drills.
Recruitment Goals
The UPDF aims to recruit 9,627 new soldiers from a shortlist of 14,000 candidates selected from a pool of 23,000 applicants nationwide. In Kitgum, 39 slots are allocated, while Lamwo district aims to fill 25 positions. Other districts in East Acholi, such as Pader and Agago, have also been allocated recruitment slots.
The recruitment exercise will continue over the next two weeks, stressing the importance of honesty and compliance with regulations. Deputy Resident District Commissioner (Dept RDC) Kitgum Hajj Walire Marjan encouraged successful recruits to embrace discipline and training, envisioning their future roles as soldiers in the UPDF.
