The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have successfully recruited a total of 83 applicants in the Elgon Sub-region as part of the nationwide recruitment exercise.

According to Colonel James Barigye Rukundo, the team leader, 42 recruits were from Sironko district and 41 were from Bulambuli district, including 22 female candidates.

“The entire process was conducted fairly and based on merit, achieving the set objectives,” Col. Rukondo said.

Major Isaac Oware, the Public Information Officer for the 3rd Division, commended the successful completion of the recruitment exercise in the Elgon Sub-region.

He stated that the new recruits will undergo rigorous training to serve the nation with dignity and integrity. However, he noted that the recruitment process was not without challenges.

He said a number of applicants were disqualified due to mismatches and discrepancies in their academic documents and national identity cards, as well as medical reasons.

“Those found with forged or fake academic documents were handed over to the Sironko Central Police Station for further investigation,” Maj. Oware said.

Bayole Stanley, the Bulambuli Resident District Commissioner, urged the recruits to remain patriotic and disciplined to serve Uganda with dignity and integrity.

“You have gone through a tight and transparent interview process. I urge you to remain patriotic and disciplined to serve Uganda with dignity and integrity,” Bayole said.

David Livingstone Giruli, the District Chairperson of Sironko, expressed gratitude to the UPDF leadership for undertaking the exercise to enlist the youth in the national defense forces.

The two-day exercise was witnessed by the Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Sironko, Hajjat Nabukalu Nulu, along with other senior leaders.