UPDF starts Soroti recruitment drive for 2025 intake
“We are targeting to recruit 24 regular forces from Soroti City, 163 from Soroti district, and 21 professionals from the city, along with 3 from the district,” said Capt. Edrin Mawanda, the public information officer, UPDF 5th Division.
The UPDF recruitment exercise has officially kicked off in Soroti City and District, attracting hundreds of candidates. (Photos credit Leah Iyolu)
By Leah Iyolu
Journalists @New Vision
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The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has officially launched its 2025 recruitment exercise in Soroti city and district, drawing hundreds of eager applicants from across the region.
The screening process began early on Thursday morning at the Soroti Sports Ground, where UPDF officials started vetting candidates seeking to join both the regular and professional forces.
“We are targeting to recruit 24 regular forces from Soroti City, 163 from Soroti district, and 21 professionals from the city, along with 3 from the district,” said Capt. Edrin Mawanda, the public information officer, UPDF 5th Division.
Capt. Mawanda noted that the number of successful and disqualified candidates will only be determined after the full screening process is completed. The exercise is expected to run for several days.
Warning against bribery and fraudsters
Capt. Mawanda also issued a strong caution to applicants against falling victim to fraudsters pretending to be UPDF recruitment officers.
“Applicants should not pay anyone in exchange for recruitment. The process is free and merit-based, and any reports of bribery or extortion will be taken seriously,” Capt. Mawanda said.
His warning follows concerns over impersonators and brokers who often exploit desperate applicants during national recruitment exercises.
The UPDF recruitment drive is part of a nationwide effort to strengthen the country’s security forces with both regular and professional personnel in fields such as medicine, engineering, ICT and more.