Illnesses have caused the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to fall short of its recruitment target in Greater Kabale, with eight shortlisted applicants disqualified during medical screening. The recruits, who applied online from Kabale, Rubanda and Rukiga districts, were paraded at Kabale Main Stadium on Monday and Tuesday for verification and medical screening.
Major Edward Birungi, the UPDF Air Defence spokesperson and spokesperson for the recruitment team covering Kabale, Rukiga, Rubanda and Kisoro districts, said 260 applicants had been shortlisted from the three districts. However, only 196 reported for the screening exercise.
Of those who turned up, 188 successfully passed the screening, while eight were disqualified on medical grounds. Birungi said the applicants who failed the medical examination were found to have conditions including ringworm, sexually transmitted infections, haemorrhoids, diabetes and high blood pressure.
Birungi said some shortlisted applicants who failed to report for screening could have been discouraged by others, secured alternative employment or realised that they might not meet the required physical fitness standards. Despite falling short of the target, Birungi said the recruitment exercise in Greater Kabale recorded an above-average turnout and success rate.He also said the recruitment team had not recorded any cases of applicants presenting forged academic documents, describing this as a sign of discipline among those who participated in the exercise.
Brig Gen James Kasule, head of the UPDF recruitment team in Kigezi, urged successful recruits to maintain discipline throughout their training. Kasule told them to obey the Commander-in-Chief and their superiors, respect civilians and remain non-partisan.
The screening of applicants from Kisoro District was still ongoing by the time of publishing this story. Successful recruits will undergo military training at various centres, including Kaweweta in Nakaseke District, Labworodwong Training School in Agago District and Olilim Military Training School in Katakwi District.
Nationwide, the UPDF is targeting to recruit about 10,200 personnel, including Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) leavers, as well as professionals with science backgrounds. Meanwhile, the UPDF is preparing to retire 1,791 personnel under Batch 16. The group comprises 19 general officers, 222 senior officers, 205 junior officers and 1,364 soldiers.
The main retirement ceremony for senior officers is scheduled for August 12, 2026, at the Joint Services Headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
