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Women, girls shun UPDF recruitment exercise in Masaka
This concern was highlighted by Lt. Col. Flavia Telimurungi Mulindwa during the exercise held at the Masaka district headquarters, which aimed to recruit at least 100 individuals.
Some of the candidates who turned up for the UPDF recruitment being taken through physical exercise drills. (Photo by Dismus Buregyeya)
By: Dismus Buregeya, Journalist @New Vision
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The UPDF recruitment exercise in Masaka saw a notably low turnout of female candidates compared to male candidates.
This concern was highlighted by Lt. Col. Flavia Telimurungi Mulindwa during the exercise held at the Masaka district headquarters, which aimed to recruit at least 100 individuals.
Out of the 79 recruits, only 11 girls from Masaka district and the city completed the physical fitness phase of the process.
Out of the 79 recruits, only 11 girls from Masaka district and the city completed the physical fitness phase of the process. (Photo by Dismus Buregyeya)
"We are deeply concerned about the poor turnout of girls during the recruitment of UPDF candidates in Masaka. We need to focus on creating awareness among girls to change public mindsets and cultural negativity," she stated.
Lt. Col. Telimurungi also told the New Vision that capable girls and women can effectively serve the nation in military roles. "The opportunities for girls who have joined the army are significant. I encourage girls not to shy away from the military; their fears are unfounded. The UPDF is a professional force," she added.
She urged the public to be cautious and not fall victim to fraudsters and conmen who are taking money from recruits, emphasising that the recruitment process is completely free.
She mentioned a case in which a victim lost Shs 4.5 million to conmen who promised to secure army positions for his three sons.
Lt. Col. Telimurungi announced that the recruitment exercise for the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) will extend to Lyantonde, Kalangala, and Ssembabule.
She also noted that several individuals have been arrested in Gomba and Masaka for presenting forged documents during the recruitment process.
Some of the candidates who turned up for the UPDF recruitment. (Photo by Dismus Buregyeya)
She mentioned a case in which a victim lost Shs 4.5 million to conmen who promised to secure army positions for his three sons.
Lt. Col. Telimurungi announced that the recruitment exercise for the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) will extend to Lyantonde, Kalangala, and Ssembabule.
She also noted that several individuals have been arrested in Gomba and Masaka for presenting forged documents during the recruitment process.