By Kenneth Wamatoyi
JINJA
As the national recruitment exercise for the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) commences today, Tuesday, August 05, 2025, shortlisted candidates have been encouraged to attend interviews as part of the process to join the forces.
According to Lieutenant Nathan Tumuhaire, the Public Relations Officer and spokesperson for the Busoga regional recruitment team, today’s exercise focuses on Jinja City and Jinja District. He noted that the recruitment in the Busoga region will take three days, covering all districts within the region.
Lt. Tumuhaire stated that their target is to recruit a total of 969 individuals from the entire Busoga region. Specifically, Jinja City is expected to provide 22 recruits, while Jinja District will contribute 82 and other districts have their own targets like Kamuli, Buyende etc.
He added that successful candidates will be issued a card valid for three days, which will grant them access to the training centre at Kaweweta in Nakaseke District.
Lt. Tumuhaire also emphasized that individuals with medical conditions such as ringworm or physical deformities like bowed legs are not eligible. Furthermore, those found with forged documents or attempting impersonation like Fake IDs, Academic credentials will be arrested and detained. He went ahead clarifying that the doctors from the UPDF health department assess the health status like blood check and fitness.
He clarified that professionals who were shortlisted will be directed to report to Kololo for their recruitment process — strictly for those who appear on the shortlist that will commence on 7th august 2025.
He said when the process is done, there is personal transportation to the training centres since the criteria has changed like previously there were trucks for transportation.
Meanwhile, Sayid Ninsiima Gakibayo, the Jinja Southern Division Chairperson, confirmed that the turnout has been satisfactory, with most shortlisted candidates reporting as expected. He noted that the recruitment officially began today under the supervision of Major General Felix Kulayigye.
He urged all candidates to present their original documents, as these are a mandatory requirement for the process.
It should be noted that the national recruitment interviews will stop on 15th August 2025 and that it’s corrupt free. He warned the community to be vigilant against fraud.
