Army recruitment of medics, lawyers underway

By Vision Reporters

Recruitment of graduates seeking to join the professional ranks of the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) Kicked off on Monday morning at Kololo Independence grounds.

The army is looking forward to enlisting at least 150 professionals in the categories of doctors, nurses and lawyers under the three-day exercise that closes on Wednesday.

Ugandans with sports and music background are also wanted. Besides verification of candidates' academic qualifications, they will also be subject to medical check-ups and intense endurance drills.

The recruitment of professionals is the final phase of a two-week-long countrywide military conscription exercise that kicked off on October 1.

Under current recruitment, the army is seeking enlist 3,000 new recruits to boost the UPDF's infantry and specialized units, as well as professionals.

UPDF spokesperson, Lt Col Paddy Ankunda told New Vision in an interview that the army was satisfied with the calibre of the successful candidates so far identified across the country.

Professional graduates must be ready to undergo basic military training and be of age between 18-30 years, according to the recruitment guidelines.  

The age limit for the other recruits was 18-25 years and each candidate was supposed to be single with no children. Candidates were recruited from their respective districts on a quota basis.

Those seeking to join the UPDF as professionals must have completed Senior Six and possess certificates, diplomas and degrees, Maj Kakurungu explained.

A minimum formal education of Senior Four (Uganda Certificate of Education), or its equivalent were required for candidates seeking to join the UPDF infantry units.

For those seeking to join UPDF specialized units, Senior Six (Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education) qualifications with bias in sciences or its equivalent was the standard.

Candidates seeking to join the forces must be citizens of Uganda and are required to show proof of citizenship by presenting a Uganda National Identity Card.

In addition to academic qualifications, all candidates are required to exhibit good conduct with no criminal record and submit duly signed recommendation letters from LC I, LC III, GISOs..