By KT Reporter
The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has expressed concern over a sharp decline in the number of female recruits from eight districts in the West Nile region during the ongoing national recruitment exercise.
Out of the nine districts of Adjumani, Moyo, Obongi, Yumbe, Koboko, Maracha, Terego, Arua City, and Arua District, only Moyo managed to meet its recruitment target, while most others failed to present female candidates. In Maracha District, 37 of the 57 shortlisted recruits passed, including one female.
Terego District had 58 slots but only 29 were successful, with no female candidate. Arua District had 79 shortlisted, with 59 successful recruits. Moyo District achieved a perfect record, with all 34 shortlisted successfully recruited.
Lt. Nasa Menne, the UPDF Public Information Officer for West Nile and the Recruitment Team, said the region achieved less than 30% of the female recruitment target. He attributed this mainly to medical test failures, noting that pregnancy was the leading cause.
Brig. Gen. Jackson Kayanja, the Deputy Division Commander and Team Leader for the recruitment in West Nile, stressed that only candidates who fully pass the health test will be considered, without compromise.
Meanwhile, Monica Koliba Kotevu, the Deputy RDC of Maracha, called for bridging existing gaps in recruitment to create more opportunities for the youthful and largely unproductive population in the region.
The UPDF recruitment exercise will continue in Nebbi Town on Monday for candidates from Zombo, Pakwach, Madi Okollo, and Nebbi districts before concluding in the West Nile region.
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