The ongoing Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) nationwide recruitment drive has entered its critical phase in Northern Uganda, with the exercise progressing steadily across multiple districts.
On August 6, 2025, the recruitment team is stationed at Pece Stadium, handling candidates from Gulu City, Gulu District, and Omoro District. The exercise follows a series of successful activities in other parts of the region.
During the August 5 recruitment session in Adjumani District, Colonel David Opeero, the officer supervising the Northern Uganda exercise, emphasized that the entire process was conducted transparently.
He credited the presence of relevant stakeholders for ensuring integrity throughout the selection.
“Everything was done in the open, and all stakeholders witnessed the exercise,” Colonel Opeero stated.
Despite the overall success, several candidates were disqualified during the screening process. According to UPDF reports, five individuals were turned away for failing to present original documents, three were disqualified due to name discrepancies, and one candidate was arrested for presenting forged credentials.
All qualified candidates will receive admission letters and must report individually to the Recruit Training School in Kaweweta, Nakaseke District, within three days.
Meanwhile, parallel recruitment efforts are underway in the Karamoja Sub-region, where Team Seven, led by Colonel Santurino Mashereka Tumuranzye, conducted the exercise at Kaabong District Headquarters.
From Kaabong, 11 out of 14 shortlisted candidates were successfully recruited, while 6 out of 8 candidates passed from Karenga District.
Colonel Tumuranzye praised the smooth coordination between the UPDF team and local leaders, attributing the success to timely mobilization and community involvement, despite the region’s difficult terrain and logistical hurdles.
“Mobilization was well-coordinated, and we were able to proceed without major delays,” he noted.
Kaabong Resident District Commissioner, Stephen Latek Odongo, advised the new recruits to embrace the values of discipline, patriotism, and dedication as they begin their military careers.
“You are now part of a national force, and you must demonstrate discipline and commitment,” he stated.
He also reminded the successful candidates of the urgency of reporting to Kaweweta, stressing that this year, all recruits are expected to travel to the training school at their own expense.
“Failure to report on time could lead to disqualification,” he warned.
The UPDF recruitment team is scheduled to continue operations in Kotido and Abim districts on August 7 and 8, respectively. In Kotido, the recruitment will be held at the District Headquarters, where more hopefuls will get the opportunity to serve in Uganda’s armed forces.
The exercise, aimed at building a capable and disciplined force, continues to reflect the UPDF’s commitment to merit-based recruitment, transparency, and national service.
