UPDF recruit collapses during physical fitness in Dokolo

Dokolo | On Tuesday, a recruit from Dokolo district collapsed during a physical fitness test in Dokolo.

Okwir Levi, a resident of Okwongodul B Village, Okwongodul parish in Dokolo district, collapsed at the Dokolo Technical Institute during the exercise.

Other recruits had finished the 4-kilometer run, but Okwir did not.

Okwir was immediately evacuated by Team Six Ambulance and Medical Team for intensive first aid, according to Kato Ahmad Hassan, UPDF 4 Infantry Division PIO and Team Six spokesperson.

Captain Doctor Alex Kissa, Team Six Medical Officer, stated that the recruit is blood pressure had fallen below normal, but he was resuscitated in time.

After regaining consciousness, Okwir admitted that he did not drink enough water and did not eat supper or breakfast before coming for the exercise.

By Tuesday evening, he was out of danger pending further medical examinations. 

Levi, according to Kato, did not make it a kilometre before fainting.

The recruitment team was at Dokolo Technical Institute to recruit shortlisted candidates who had initially applied and been selected to join the forces.

On Tuesday, the team recruited candidates from Amolatar and Dokolo districts, and on July 10, they will recruit candidates from Kaberamaidi and Kalaki districts at the Dokolo Technical Institute in Dokolo Town Council.

The two-day exercise will conclude with the recruitment of 39 shortlisted candidates from the Dokolo district and 30 from Amolatar.

“We registered 08 absentee candidates from Dokolo and 05 from Amolatar districts,” Team Six spokesperson said.

Between July 10 to July 14, the recruitment team will vet and recruit 25 candidates from Kaberamaido, 26 from Kalaki, 42 from Apac, 39 from Kwania, 83 from Oyam and 52 from Kole districts.

The totals are as per the quotas allotted to each district based on the recent census statistics.

As of Tuesday, three found with fake Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) result slips from Dokolo district and three from Amolatar district.

They were handed over to their respective District Intelligence Security Officers for further investigations and management, Kato added.

“We appeal to candidates to prepare thoroughly before coming for the  recruitment exercise.”

“Let them have all the necessary original academic credentials and supportive documents so that they are vetted.”

 According to Kato, the recruitment exercise will finish with Apac and Kole district on July 14, as per the UPDF recruitment fixture.