Lira, Uganda – The Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) recruitment team in Lira city has apprehended nine individuals attempting to join the military with counterfeit identification and academic documents.
Ahmad Hassan Kato, the public information officer for the UPDF 4 Infantry Division Team Six, stated that during the verification process, five candidates from Lira district were found with fake Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) transcripts and counterfeit national identification cards. Additionally, four candidates from Lira city presented fake UCE result slips and certificates. These suspects have been handed over to the Lira City Central Police Station for further investigation.
The UPDF National Recruitment Team Six is currently at Akii Bua Stadium, where they are recruiting candidates who had previously applied and were shortlisted. Recruitment for Lira city and Lira district took place on Sunday, June 7, 2024. On Monday, the team will recruit from Alebtong and Otuke at the same venue.
Table: Recruitment Schedule
| Date | Location | Areas Covered |
|---|---|---|
| June 7, 2024 | Akii Bua Stadium, Lira | Lira City, Lira District |
| June 8, 2024 | Akii Bua Stadium, Lira | Alebtong, Otuke |
| July 9-13, 2024 | Various Venues | Dokolo, Amolatar, Kaberamaido, Kalaki, Apac, Kwania, Oyam |
Kato emphasized that the team would recruit candidates from Dokolo, Amolatar, Kaberamaido, Kalaki, Apac, Kwania, and Oyam districts between July 9 and July 13, 2024, according to the quotas allocated based on recent census statistics.
During the recruitment process, candidates underwent physical examinations to check for body deformities. Following this, they participated in a two-kilometre run to assess their physical fitness.
Team Six has already completed the recruitment of candidates from Adjumani, Gulu city, Gulu district, Omoro, Nwoya, Amuru, Kitgum, Lamwo, Pader, and Agago districts. Kato urged leaders in the remaining districts to prepare their candidates in advance to ensure quotas are met.
Kato assured that for transparency, the recruitment team collaborates closely with district officials during the vetting process to eliminate any doubts about the fairness of the process.
Despite the strict requirements, the recruitment venue was overwhelmed with applicants, including those exceeding the age limit and those without the required UCE documents, all hoping for a chance to join the forces.
The recruitment exercise is scheduled to conclude on July 14, 2024, as per the UPDF timetable.
