FDC calls on youths to join UPDF recruitment drive

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The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has urged Ugandan opposition youths to take advantage of the ongoing recruitment drive by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to contribute to peace and security in the country.

The UPDF announced plans to recruit 10,000 people aged between 18 and 28 in a nationwide exercise scheduled to take place from June 10 to 24, 2026. The FDC says opposition youths who have long expressed interest in a neutral security force should apply for the opportunity.

Addressing a press conference at the FDC party headquarters in Najjanankumbi, Kampala, on Monday, June 8, 2026, the FDC deputy secretary for publicity, Ibrahim Kasozi Biribawa, said the party has in the past failed to prepare its supporters to serve in security institutions, wrongly assuming that the role belongs to ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) cadres.

“On many occasions, we have not been preparing our opposition people to serve in national security. As a result, many have been thinking that only NRM cadres are the only ones supposed to be recruited to serve President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s government,” Kasozi, former Makindye West MP, said.

The UPDF recruitment drive is targeting skilled professionals and youth across the country to strengthen the army’s capacity to respond to emerging security, technological, medical and logistical challenges, according to Col Chris Magezi, acting director of defence public information.

Magezi also encouraged professionally qualified women to apply, signalling efforts to improve gender representation within the force.

“The recruitment exercise is open to Ugandan citizens who are physically and medically fit, and law-abiding. The UPDF warns against fraudsters, and the recruitment is entirely free of charge,” he added.

Article 208 of the 1995 Constitution, as amended, establishes the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, which shall be non-partisan, national in character, patriotic, professional, disciplined, productive and subordinate to civilian authority.

As a democratic and national political organisation committed to Uganda’s development and stability, the FDC said it recognises the importance of citizens participating in all lawful national institutions.

“We, therefore, call upon our elaborate structure leaders in the districts and subcounties across the country to mobilise and identify qualifying youths to go in numbers to apply and be part of the force,” Kasozi emphasised.

He added that service in the national army is both a career opportunity and a chance to contribute to the security and development of the country.

The UPDF is seeking professionals in fields including information technology, engineering, aviation, healthcare, education, law and social sciences. The recruitment process will be conducted in phases, including online applications, publication of shortlisted candidates, physical recruitment, medical examinations and interviews.

Military service, it was noted, remains one of the highest expressions of patriotism and national duty, offering young people an opportunity to serve their country, acquire skills, develop discipline and leadership qualities, and secure meaningful employment.

For many years, opposition political actors have often not provided clear guidance to their supporters regarding participation in national security institutions.

Push for vocational education revamp

Robert Centenary, the FDC deputy president for the western region, appealed to government to expand vocational and technical education and align it with labour market needs.

This comes as Uganda continues to grapple with high youth unemployment and a mismatch between available skills and job opportunities.

Centenary emphasised the need for practical skills training, citing Germany and South Korea as examples of countries that have successfully used vocational education to drive economic growth.

“We need to prioritise vocational training that equips our youth with industry-relevant skills,” he said.

The FDC’s call is supported by data showing Uganda’s youth unemployment rate is among the highest in East Africa. Many graduates lack the skills required by employers, highlighting a significant gap in the education system.

Centenary also urged government to invest heavily in agro-processing industries to create jobs closer to farming communities.

“Corruption continues to drain resources that should be improving the lives of citizens. Stronger commitments to transparency, accountability, and effective oversight of public funds are needed,” he insisted.

He added that fighting corruption cannot remain a slogan but must become a measurable national priority.