UPDF recruitment: Of scars, tattoos and missing teeth

UPDF RECRUITMENT

KAMPALA - Hundreds braved the scotching sun on Friday to get a chance of being recruited into the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) at the Kololo Independence Grounds.

Whereas many qualified, a few individuals were shocked when they were turned away for having tattoos, body scars, bulging veins and missing teeth.

One candidate, a graduate, could not believe the recruitment officer who ordered him to leave or risk being arrested for failing to pass the initial interview.

Hundreds braved the scorching sun to get a chance of being recruited into the UPDF at the Kololo Independence Grounds. Photo by Alfred Ochwo

"How could they throw me out for having a small scar?" he wondered as he exited the recruitment area.

As the UPDF medical officers checked the recruits, they were told to open their mouths and whoever had a missing tooth would be told to leave.

"Huyo alipoteza (that one lost tooth)," the medical personnel would say, signalling to the Police officers and tough-looking military officers to lead the failed candidates out of the grounds.

Among those who turned up for recruitment was a Police officer who was told to remove shoes whisked away by the military to make-shift cells.

Some candidates who tried to dodge the verification process were arrested by the alert military and Police personnel and chased from the grounds.

One recruitment officers who did not want to be named chased several candidates who claimed they had been sent by certain high-ranking army officers.

"Those who are claiming to be children of soldiers should go to Jinja. Here we are following the laid down procedure," the officer said.

Background

According to Lt. Col. Deo Akiiki, the deputy spokesperson of the UPDF, within Kampala, the recruitment will be conducted at the Kololo Independence Grounds, while those from upcountry will be registered at playgrounds scattered across the various regions.

Whereas many qualified, a few individuals were shocked when they were turned away for having tattoos, body scars, bulging veins and missing teeth. Photo by Alfred Ochwo

 
"Kololo will recruit candidates from Kampala, Kotido (playgrounds) to recruit those from Kotido, Kaabong, Karenga and Abim. Lyantonde to recruit those from Lyantonde, Rakai and Kyotera, Arua is expected to recruit people from Arua Madi-Okollo, Yumbe, Maracha, Adjumani, Moyo, Obongi and Koboko while Hoima to recruit those from Hoima, Kikuube, Kagadi, Kibaale and Kakumiro," Akiiki said on Thursday.

The national recruitment exercise, which started today, is expected to end on January 5 next year, also targets air force candidates.

Candidates for UPDF air force must have at least A ‘level qualification in science subjects, especially physics, mathematics and geography, a degree or diploma in aviation-related fields.

Early this month, the UPDF spokesperson, Brig. Richard Karemire announced that the army recruitment targets 4,000 able-bodied Ugandans to join UPDF as regular, professional and specialized units of the army.

Karemire said the recruitment exercise has been rolled out to fill the gaps created by retirements and also boost science competencies within the rank and file of UPDF.

Causalities suffered during frontline battles and deaths, are the other developments that have occasioned the fresh recruitment exercise.

To be eligible for recruitment, Karemire said, citizens must have a national identity card, be in good health and medically fit, with a recommendation letter from the LC chairperson.

The recommended age bracket for recruits is 18 to 30 years.

The UPDF said various teams have been set up across the country, to sieve and ensure that the recruitment exercise meets the legal quota requirement per region and district.