1,500 turn up to join UPDF in Bushenyi
Jan 29, 2008
OVER 1,500 youth turned up for the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) recruitment exercise in Bushenyi district on Sunday. However, only 95 are needed for the regular army and five as cadet officers from Bushenyi district, which was given 100 slots owing to its large population.
By Chris Ahimbisibwe
OVER 1,500 youth turned up for the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) recruitment exercise in Bushenyi district on Sunday. However, only 95 are needed for the regular army and five as cadet officers from Bushenyi district, which was given 100 slots owing to its large population.
The exercise, which was conducted at the district headquarters, was headed by Lt. Col. Francis Takirwa.
“We have received the highest turn up compared to other districts,†Takirwa said.
He added that some university students wanted to join the army due to lack of tuition fees. A 22-year-old female computer science student at Kampala International University was one of the students who turned up for the exercise.
Candidates for officer cadet must have a Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (Senior Six certificate) or its equivalent. Regulars need Senior Four certificate or its equivalent.
The UPDF 2nd Division spokesman, Lt. Kiconco Tabaro, said nine females and over 15 graduates and 25 diploma holders applied to join the army.
UPDF recruitment centres countrywide have been overwhelmed by people wanting to join the army.
“People have been enthusiastic and have filled up their quotas in many parts of the country. The turn up is overwhelming showing that the wanainchi are interested in joining their army,†army spokesperson Capt. Paddy Ankunda, said but declined to reveal how many the army would recruit. The exercise began on January 14 and ends on February 8.
Between January 14 and 16, the army recruited from Rakai, Lyantonde, Adjumani, Moyo, Kaberamaido, Amolatar, Dokolo, Amuru, Gulu, Kisoro and Kabale districts.
OVER 1,500 youth turned up for the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) recruitment exercise in Bushenyi district on Sunday. However, only 95 are needed for the regular army and five as cadet officers from Bushenyi district, which was given 100 slots owing to its large population.
The exercise, which was conducted at the district headquarters, was headed by Lt. Col. Francis Takirwa.
“We have received the highest turn up compared to other districts,†Takirwa said.
He added that some university students wanted to join the army due to lack of tuition fees. A 22-year-old female computer science student at Kampala International University was one of the students who turned up for the exercise.
Candidates for officer cadet must have a Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (Senior Six certificate) or its equivalent. Regulars need Senior Four certificate or its equivalent.
The UPDF 2nd Division spokesman, Lt. Kiconco Tabaro, said nine females and over 15 graduates and 25 diploma holders applied to join the army.
UPDF recruitment centres countrywide have been overwhelmed by people wanting to join the army.
“People have been enthusiastic and have filled up their quotas in many parts of the country. The turn up is overwhelming showing that the wanainchi are interested in joining their army,†army spokesperson Capt. Paddy Ankunda, said but declined to reveal how many the army would recruit. The exercise began on January 14 and ends on February 8.
Between January 14 and 16, the army recruited from Rakai, Lyantonde, Adjumani, Moyo, Kaberamaido, Amolatar, Dokolo, Amuru, Gulu, Kisoro and Kabale districts.