UPDF to recruit 10,000 personnel in nationwide exercise

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The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has announced a nationwide recruitment exercise targeting 10,200 new personnel, with military authorities saying the drive is intended to strengthen the force’s manpower and technical capabilities while maintaining transparency in the selection process.

Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala on Friday, June 5, 2026, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Col. Chris Magezi, said the recruitment will be conducted across the country and will primarily target holders of Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) qualifications, with preference given to candidates with science backgrounds.

“The UPDF is scheduled to conduct a nationwide recruitment of 10,200 personnel,” Magezi told journalists, adding, “The exercise will target holders of UCE and UACE qualifications, with emphasis on sciences in line with the force’s evolving operational and technical requirements.”

Applicants must be holders of valid National Identification Cards and be aged between 18 and 22 years for general recruitment.

Prospective recruits must be physically and medically fit, have no criminal record, and obtain recommendations from Local Council (LC) leaders, the GISO/DISO (Gombolola Internal Security Officer/District Internal Security Officer), and the Resident District Commissioner (RDC). 

Interested applicants are required to submit their applications at the headquarters of the respective districts in which they reside.

The recruitment comes as the military continues to modernise its operations and expand its capacity in specialised areas that require personnel with technical and scientific skills.

Defence officials say modern military operations are increasingly dependent on expertise in information technology, engineering, communications, aviation and other science-related disciplines.

Magezi said the exercise will be conducted under strict guidelines to ensure fairness and eliminate opportunities for corruption that have sometimes been associated with public recruitment exercises.

“Recruitment into the UPDF is free of charge. No applicant should pay money to any individual claiming to influence the process. Those who engage in such acts are fraudsters and should be reported to the relevant authorities,” he said.

Magezi warned prospective applicants and their families against middlemen who often emerge during recruitment periods promising guaranteed enlistment in exchange for money.

“The UPDF recruits on merit and according to established criteria. Nobody should be deceived into parting with money because no one can sell a UPDF job,” he said.

According to the military, applications will be submitted through designated procedures to be communicated by the recruitment teams, with district authorities and security committees expected to play a role in mobilising and verifying eligible candidates.

Magezi said local leaders, RDCs and district security committees will work closely with recruitment teams to ensure that the exercise is conducted transparently and that only qualified candidates are shortlisted.

“We want every eligible Ugandan youth to have an equal opportunity to participate. That is why we are working with local structures to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the exercise,” he said.

The UPDF spokesperson said successful applicants will be required to meet all recruitment conditions, including proof of being Ugandan citizens, possession of a valid national identity card, physical fitness and good conduct.

Magezi said the military remains committed to maintaining its professional standards while offering young Ugandans an opportunity to serve their country.

“The UPDF remains a national institution committed to defending Uganda’s sovereignty and contributing to national development,” he said. “We encourage disciplined, patriotic and qualified young people to take advantage of this opportunity to serve their nation.”

The announcement is expected to generate significant interest among young Ugandans, particularly at a time when competition for formal employment opportunities remains high.

Previous UPDF recruitment exercises have attracted thousands of applicants from across the country, often far exceeding the available positions. Military officials say strict screening procedures are, therefore, necessary to ensure that only the most suitable candidates are selected.

Magezi reiterated that the recruitment process would be monitored closely to safeguard its integrity.

“Our message is clear; follow the official procedures, present genuine documents and do not pay money to anyone. The process will be conducted fairly and transparently," he stressed.

The nationwide exercise is expected to begin in the coming weeks, with recruitment teams scheduled to move across districts countrywide.