Mismatched names, forgery disqualify UPDF applicants in Masindi
Applicants had high hopes of joining the forces, but these were dashed after recruitment officers rejected their documents.
Professional recruits stretch during the UPDF recruitment exercise in Masindi. (Photo by Yosam Gucwaki)
________________ Recruits undergo verification during the UPDF recruitment exercise. (Credit: Yosam Gucwaki)
Many aspiring recruits to the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) in Masindi were disqualified from joining as professionals and regular officers due to discrepancies between the names on their academic documents and national identity cards.
Applicants had high hopes of joining the forces, but these were dashed after recruitment officers rejected their documents.
Some were found with Primary Seven certificates whose names did not match those on their Ordinary Level certificates.
Others had inconsistent years on their academic certificates, including those from higher institutions. Several applicants were also found with forged academic papers and were handed over to investigating officers for further inquiry.
According to Brigadier Rogers Kitwala, deputy commander of the Field Artillery Division in Masindi and recruitment team leader for the Western region, the UPDF aims to recruit 23 professionals and 50 regular officers.
Out of the 120 shortlisted professionals, only 55 applicants turned up. Similarly, only 76 of the 89 shortlisted regular officers appeared for the recruitment exercise, which took place at the Masindi district headquarters on August 10, 2026.
A total of 45 applicants, both professional and regular, were eliminated.
The majority of these disqualifications were due to name mismatches on academic credentials and national identity cards. Other reasons for elimination included medical grounds and forgery.
Specifically, 22 of the 55 professionals who turned up were discontinued due to a lack of original certificates and name discrepancies. Among the 76 regular officers, 31 were discontinued for similar reasons, as well as forgery.
Brigadier Kitwala stated that this marks the beginning of the UPDF's retirement exercise across the country.
He explained that the recruitment drive would be conducted across all eight districts of the Bunyoro sub-region, including Masindi, Hoima, Kiryandongo, Buliisa, Kibaale, Kagadi, Kakumiro and Kibaale.
To be recruited, applicants needed a valid national identity card, physical fitness and, for professionals, to be under 35 years of age, among other requirements.
"We are doing everything in a transparent manner: no nepotism, no bribes. Everything is done fairly. You don't bribe to become a soldier," Brig. Kitwala affirmed.
He urged youth to seize the opportunity to serve their country and come prepared with the correct documents.
Brigadier Kitwala expects to recruit 599 individuals into the UPDF from the midwestern region.
He also highlighted other challenges encountered during the exercise, such as forged papers, missing academic documents and applicants with body marks, which he stated are unacceptable in the UPDF.
"My appeal to parents is that they should take their children to school instead of helping them forge papers," he advised.
Professionals recruited included lawyers, welders, civil engineers and electrical engineers, among others.