Youth miss UPDF recruitment over National IDs

By Benedict Okethwengu

A number of the youth in Nebbi and Zombo who turned for the recruitment into the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces that kicked off on Thursday, were eliminated over lack of National Identification card. 

Over 400 youth turned up at Nebbi district headquarters, seeking to be recruited into the UPDF. 

Col Martin Ndyanabu,  who is overseeing the recruitment exercise in Northern Uganda, said about 10% of the youth who turned up for the exercise had no identity cards, raising doubt about their nationality.

“If 90% had national IDs, then it raises question that the 10% who don’t have are not our citizens, yet the guidelines are clear that we need those with national IDs,” he said.

According to Col. Ndyanabu, the exercise that will run for a period of two weeks is targeting 3,000 recruits.

Lt Ronald Ovon, the UPDF 409th Brigade spokesperson explained that youth seeking recruitment must be aged between 18 and 25, and attained Senior Four education preferably by 2013 or its equivalent.  

He added that the youth are required to present original academic documents, recommendation letters from their Local Councils and GISOs and have to be from district.  

They are also required to undertake physical and medical examination. 

Ovon said they were happy with the high turn up, adding that it exceeded the actual number needed for the two districts. 

He was quick to observe that the high turn showed that people have trust in the institution of UPDF. 

“We are overwhelmed by the turn up, but I am happy it shows that people have developed trust in our institution,” he said.

He said they will proceed to Arua, Koboko, Moyo, Adjumani, before winding it up with Gulu, Pader, Amuru, and Nwoya from 25th to October, 26. 

Modesta Alijong, the Nebbi Resident District Commisioner, while opening the exercise, said the recruitment drive was an opportunity for educated but jobless youth to find something to do and contribute to the development of their country. 

 She, however, said they are targeting unmarried youth and those without children.  

“We want fresh youth; those who will not become a burden to UPDF within a short period of time because of social problems and that’s why we want unmarried youth,” she said.

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