UPDF recruitment: 20 arrested in Jinja over forged documents
Capt. Ibrahim Kasule Ssekitto, the Busoga regional recruitment team public information officer, told New Vision online on Tuesday that the suspects were arrested after they allegedly attempted to join the recruitment exercise using forged documents and identities.
Ssekitto explained that the recruitment team had put strict verification measures in place to ensure that only genuine and medically fit applicants are recruited into the UPDF. (Credit: Doreen Musingo)
JINJA - A total of 20 applicants have been arrested over alleged impersonation and forgery of documents during the ongoing Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) recruitment exercise that covered Mayuge district, Jinja city and Jinja district.
A total of 15 applicants were arrested on the first day of recruitment (Monday, August 10), which targeted applicants from Jinja city and the entire Jinja district, while the other five applicants were arrested on Tuesday (August 11) during the recruitment of applicants from Mayuge district. The recruitment exercise took place at Kakindu stadium in Jinja city.
Capt. Ibrahim Kasule Ssekitto, the Busoga regional recruitment team public information officer, told New Vision online on Tuesday that the suspects were arrested after they allegedly attempted to join the recruitment exercise using forged documents and identities.
“The applicants were arrested after verification of their National Identification Numbers (NINs), which showed discrepancies between the names on their national identity cards and those they had presented during the recruitment process,” he said.
He noted that other suspects were detected during the screening process after they allegedly infiltrated the group of applicants taking part in the physical fitness test, adding that they were all handed over to Jinja central police station.
He noted that the exercise involves physical fitness tests, verification of academic and identification documents, medical examinations and other screening procedures.
He warned the applicants against attempting to cheat their way into the UPDF, saying the recruitment team would continue to verify applicants thoroughly.
According to Ssekitto, the team is committed to ensuring a transparent recruitment process and urged applicants to present genuine documents.
Omola cautioned applicants against concealing illnesses, saying medical screening is intended to ensure that those recruited are physically and medically fit for military training. (Credit: Doreen Musingo)
“He was given first aid at the UPDF health facility in Gaddafi Barracks where the medical personnel discovered that he had an overgrown hernia. The applicant was later referred to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital for specialised treatment and surgery where he is reportedly recovering,” he noted.
Brig. Gen. Peter Gaetano Omola, the head of the UPDF recruitment team in Busoga, said out of the 126 slots for both Jinja city and the district, they achieved the required numbers with 26 being females.
He noted that for Mayuge district, they received 121 applicants, 15 of them women.
“I am happy that we have registered quite a number of women, our target is normally 30% out of the required numbers. We are also grateful to the leadership and security teams for the guidance and mobilisation they have given,” he noted.
Omola cautioned applicants against concealing illnesses, saying medical screening is intended to ensure that those recruited are physically and medically fit for military training.
The UPDF recruitment exercise is being conducted across the country as the forces seek to select suitable candidates to join the army. The Busoga team will continue in the remaining districts of Namutumba, Iganga, Bugiri, Luuka and Namayingo.