Man arrested for impersonating UPDF recruitment officer

Police  at Soroti Central Police Station are holding a 23 year old man for extorting money from the public after posing as a UPDF recruitment officer.

Daniel Kedi, a resident of Abarilela sub-county in Amuria district was arrested on Monday at Executive Guest House opposite Total Petrol Station in Soroti municipality.

The arrest follows complaints by the victims to Police. 

The accused is said to have been getting money from the public claiming that he would help them join Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF).

Michael Odongo, the East Kyoga Police Spokesperson, said police found Kedi with UPDF forms and sh200,000 suspected to be part of the money he collected from the public.

Odongo explained that two people have so far registered their complaints at Police.

He  revealed that the bold conman will be charged with obtaining money by false pretense.

While recording statements at Soroti Central Police Station, the complainants claimed that the suspect was asking for  sh100,000  to sh300,000 and two people had already paid.

Some of the complainants, Ivan Ojur and Geoffrey Eyengu told Police that the accused asked for sh500,000 claiming that he would link them to the officers in charge of recruitment and bypass the rigorous process of verification.

‘He told us that the training will be done at Olilim Army Training School in Katakwi district', they added.

The Police mouth piece said  the accused will be charged with obtaining money by false pretense.

The Soroti Resident District Commissioner, Hajji Isaac Kawoya has warned the public against giving their money to anyone who promises to help them join the army.

He explained that the Local Defence Unit recruitment exercise announced by the president last month is for Kampala alone.

‘The exercise is transparent and will not condone bribery'.

To qualify for recruitment, candidates must meet requirements that include being in possession of a national identity card,  be aged between 18 - 25 years, have a minimum education of Senior Four, a recommendation from LC1, LC3 and the sub-county Internal Security Officer (GISO). 

Candidates are also expected to be of sound mind and in good health.