Why a young man who participated in UPDF road run pleaded to be allowed to return home

Hundreds of young Ugandans from Mukono and neighbouring districts have turned up in large numbers for the ongoing Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) recruitment exercise, hoping to earn a place in the national army.

The exercise has attracted applicants from Mukono, Kayunga, Buvuma and Buikwe, with candidates undergoing a series of physical and medical assessments to determine their suitability for military service.

One of the most striking moments came after a four-kilometre fitness run designed to test the applicants’ physical endurance.

Among those who struggled during the exercise was Abdalla Nahate, a native of Butaleja.

Overwhelmed after collapsing during the run, Nahate said he became distressed and pleaded with the medical team to return his academic documents so he could leave the recruitment centre and go home.

He reportedly told the team that he had failed to make it into the army.

Abdalla’s reaction underscored the demanding nature of the recruitment process, in which applicants are expected to meet strict physical, medical, and academic requirements; he was later rushed to Mukono Referral Hospital for further management.

According to the recruitment guidelines, eligible Ugandan applicants are not required to pay money to join the UPDF. Candidates report to designated recruitment centres, where they undergo several stages of screening, including physical fitness tests and medical examinations.

The UPDF recruitment team said in a statement that applicants who fail to meet the requirements at any stage are released from the exercise.

In some cases, candidates may be referred back through their respective district representatives, while those with conditions that can be addressed may be advised to seek treatment and return when appropriate.

Medical screening covers a range of health conditions, alongside requirements relating to dental health and physical fitness.

Candidates found to have conditions requiring further medical attention may be advised to return home for treatment rather than proceed with the recruitment process.

The recruitment exercise in Mukono is expected to conclude on Saturday with applicants from Buikwe district, while medical teams continue screening candidates competing for the available opportunities to join the UPDF.