The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has warned applicants against paying agents or intermediaries to join the army.
“Recruitment into the UPDF is free of charge. No agents or intermediaries are involved,” Acting Director of Defence Public Information Col Chris Magezi said.
The warning comes ahead of the third phase of the UPDF’s 2026 general recruitment exercise. Physical recruitment ran from August 10 to August 22, 2026.
Only shortlisted applicants will report to designated centres in the districts where their names appeared.
Candidates are to carry a handwritten application addressed to the Joint Staff Human Resource Management–UPDF.
They also need recommendations from their LC1, LC3 and Gombolola Internal Security Officer or District Internal Security Officer.
Other requirements include three coloured passport-size photographs and an original national identity card.
Applicants also have to present original and photocopied academic documents. Graduates needed certified documents.
The army said successful candidates would receive individual dates to report to their respective UPDF training centres.
Col Magezi urged the public to report suspected fraud to the nearest police station, the District Internal Security Officer’s office or a UPDF unit.
He thanked Ugandans who expressed interest in joining the military, saying their patriotism would help build a professional and people-centred force.
