The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has successfully qualified more than 60 applicants to join the force during the national recruitment exercise in the Sebei sub-region.

Col James Barigye Rukundo, the head of Team Seven for Karamoja and Sebei sub-regions, said on July 8, 2024, that 22 successful recruits came from Kapchorwa, 22 from Kween district, and 18 from Bukwo, making a total of 62, including 12 female recruits.

Col Rukundo, however, noted that many shortlisted candidates were disqualified due to medical issues, discrepancies in their academic documents, and national identity cards, among others.

“Seven applicants were arrested for possessing fake documents and are being held at Kapchorwa Police Station for further investigation,“ Col Rukundo said.

Col Rukundo further noted that the exercise was conducted fairly based on merit and that the target was achieved.

ASP (Rtd) Hope Atuhaire, the Resident District Commissioner for Kween, who is also the regional whip for the Sebei sub-region, urged the recruits to remain committed and patriotic to complete their training and serve their country, Uganda.

Conversely, the Kapchorwa District Chairperson, Evelyne Chebet, cautioned the recruits against desertion after joining the force.

She encouraged the applicants who did not qualify not to lose hope, as there are many opportunities available in both the government and private sectors.

The exercise, which was conducted at the Kapchorwa Recruitment Centre, was attended by senior district officials from across the sub-region.

The UPDF said that the team will conduct similar exercises for shortlisted applicants from Sironko district at Sironko district headquarters on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, and Bulambuli district on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at the same venue.