Police arrest applicant for forged documents during Kitgum recruitment exercise

Kitgum | One applicant for the position of Probationer Police Constable was arrested in Kitgum district for allegedly presenting a forged academic document during the recruitment exercise.

The recruitment drive, which began at 7:30 a.m. at Kitgum Public Primary School playground, attracted at least 187 applicants. Of these, two were disqualified for failing to meet the required criteria.

Inspector of Police (IP) Oloya Joe, the Public Information Officer for the Aswa East Region, confirmed the arrest. “This morning, we arrested one candidate for presenting forged documents.

“Another candidate who lacked a national identity card was forgiven. However, the individual with the forged document is currently being held at Kitgum Central Police Station for further investigation,” he stated.

Inspector Oloya issued a stern warning against the use of forged documents, vowing to arrest and prosecute any individuals found attempting to join the police force using fake credentials.

He specifically urged applicants from Agago, Lamwo, Pader, and Lango sub-region to desist from such actions.

“The arrest occurred on Tuesday during the verification of documents submitted by recruits. The suspect was caught submitting fake documents as part of the application process,” Oloya added.

Hundreds of hopeful recruits gathered at the Kitgum Public Primary School playground early Tuesday morning for the document verification process.

Despite their enthusiasm, many were turned away for failing to meet the necessary qualifications, which include possession of a National Identity Card and an ‘O’ Level Certificate, among others.

Ssegawa Jimmy Ebil, the Resident District Commissioner of Kitgum, noted that the district has been allocated 207 slots, while Lamwo district has 107 slots for recruitment into the police force.

He emphasized the transparency of the process, stating, “Only those who were shortlisted were subjected to medical and physical tests in the presence of sub-county and district leadership.”

The Kitgum District Police Commander, SP Peter Oyesigye, explained that the offence of forgery is contrary to Sections 342 and 347 of the Penal Code Act.

“Forgery involves making a false document with the intent to defraud or deceive, and proving that the accused person created the document. It includes making a document purporting to be what it is not or making material alterations to a genuine document,” he said.

As part of the verification process, police officials from headquarters and the Aswa East Region meticulously checked documents and fingerprints.

After the rigorous checks, 185 applicants’ names were forwarded to the police headquarters 67 girls and 118 boys.

The Uganda Police Force (UPF) recently released shortlists for the position of Probationer Police Constable (PPC), following a nationwide call for applications.

A total of 16,678 candidates were shortlisted for interviews that commenced on April 28, 2025. However, only 10,000 of them will be selected for training ahead of the 2026 elections.

The recruitment exercise will continue for the next two weeks, with police officials emphasizing the importance of integrity and authenticity throughout the application process.