By Philip Wasswa
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) recruitment exercise has kicked off Friday countrywide with the army saying the recruitment exercise will be conducted in five districts with several zones comprised of other neighbouring districts.
The UPDF recruitment teams are currently in Kololo (to recruit candidates from Kampala), Kotido (to recruit those from Kotido, Kaabong, Karenga and Abim), Lyantonde (to recruit those from Lyantonde, Rakai, and Kyotera), Arua to recruit people from (Arua with Madiokollo, Yumbe, Maracha, Adjumani, Moyo, Obongi, and Koboko) and Hoima (to recruit those from Hoima, Kikuube, Kagadi, Kibaale, Kakumiro.
The Force will recruit 4,000 in an exercise that is slated to run from December 27, 2019 to January 5, 2020.
While inviting candidates last month, the UPDF spokesperson, Brig Richard Karemire said that recruits should be between 18 and 30 years among other eligibility considerations.
"Like previous ones, aims at attracting very composed and patriotic Ugandans ready to serve in regular, professional and specialized units. It is an opportunity for UPDF to fill gaps created by retirements and also tap skills of personnel with competencies in science subjects required in a modern army," said Gen Karemire in a statement.
Explaining the new exercise, Brig Karemire said Peace and Stability remain a fundamental prerequisite for socio-economic transformation for any country.
"It is therefore envisaged in the Uganda Vision 2040, that Uganda can only harness her abundant opportunities and achieve its aspirations when there is absolute tranquillity. This imperative has, therefore, become a cornerstone in all UPDF missions and drives the institution to keep an all-time force that is modern and professional replenished through continuous recruitment of able-bodied willing Ugandans," he said
Articles 51 and 52 of the UPDF Act, 2005 give UPDF authority to recruit Ugandans who meet the standards prescribed in all districts without discrimination, Karemire added.
Eligibility
According to the UPDF, for one to be recruited he/she must meet the following criteria:
1. MUST be citizen of Uganda holding the original National Identity Card.
2. MUST be in good health and medically fit ready to undergo check-ups and road run.
3. Should be between the age of 18-25 or 18-30 if he/she is to enlist as a regular or professional respectively.
4. MUST be single with no children to avoid family distractions.
5. Regular recruits should possess a minimum education of S.4 or S.6 with bias in science subjects such as physics, chemistry and mathematics.
6. Professionals should be holders of Degrees/or Diplomas in Medicine, Engineering, Chemistry, Education or possess qualifications in vocational skills.
7. MUST be of good character and supported by letters from LCs and GISOs.
"The UPDF leadership has set up teams to ensure that the exercise achieves its objectives within the time given. Districts are encouraged to meet their quotas allocated as per the results of the population census which will be communicated by the team leaders," Karemire further said in the statement.
The UPDF spokesman emphasized that it should be clear that recruitment into the UPDF is not an off-the-hook job opportunity, but rather a patriotic calling to serve our country Uganda in a field that requires great sacrifice and determination from the very first day of recruitment to the last day of one’s service.
