Fifteen aspiring recruits have been disqualified from the ongoing Uganda Peoples’ Defense Force (UPDF) recruitment exercise in Adjumani, highlighting issues of forged documents and limited ICT knowledge among the youth.
The exercise, conducted at Paridi Stadium, attracted 51 candidates out of 61 who had been shortlisted. According to the recruitment team, nine were sent away for presenting forged academic documents, while six others were disqualified on medical grounds.
In the end, 36 candidates successfully progressed through the recruitment process.
Col. David Opero, the Deputy Division Commander of the Fifth Division and head of the northern Uganda recruitment exercise, stated that the process commenced in July with an online application.
He explained that the physical recruitment stage involved document verification, physical assessment, and medical examinations.
“We caution applicants against presenting forged documents. Those who pass all stages will be transported to Gulu for further processing,” Col. Opero said. He further noted that some youths failed to follow application procedures, with many arriving at the recruitment venue despite not being on the shortlist.
“There is a level of laziness among our youths,” he observed. “The process is online, but some failed to apply, while others applied for the wrong categories. For instance, we are recruiting regular soldiers with an age limit of 22, yet some professionals above this age applied in the wrong category.”
According to the team leader, to ensure transparency, the UPDF involved local leaders in the vetting process.
Adjumani’s Assistant Resident District Commissioner, Simon Peter Obumai, commended the UPDF for a fair exercise. He emphasized that the low ICT competence among the youth is a growing concern, as many use technology primarily for entertainment instead of research or personal development.
Our people want to take things for granted. I noticed that many are not ICT-compliant. I appeal to schools to prioritize ICT so that students completing Senior Four acquire basic computer knowledge,” Obumai said.
Among those who missed the opportunity was Geofrey Manga, an unlisted candidate who had not applied online. He expressed his disappointment, citing a lack of access to smartphones and ICT facilities in rural areas.
“I am passionate about joining the UPDF, but I was disadvantaged because I didn’t have a smartphone or proper information about the process. I will try again in the future because I am still young and patriotic,” he said.
The recruitment exercise continues as the UPDF seeks to enlist committed and qualified Ugandans while upholding integrity in its selection process.
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