The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has announced a nationwide recruitment exercise for 10,200 new soldiers. Military authorities say the exercise will prioritize science education, professionalism and anti-corruption measures. It is expected to be one of the largest recruitment drives in recent years.
The exercise will take place in all districts and cities across Uganda. Thousands of young people are expected to apply. The recruitment comes as the army expands its workforce and prepares for more technical security operations.
According to the Office of the President and the Ministry of Defence, applicants must hold either a Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) or Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE). Science students will receive special consideration during shortlisting and selection.
Authorities say the move is part of the UPDF’s transformation into a modern and technology-driven force. The army aims to respond more effectively to emerging security threats.
Related: UPDF has started the national recruitment exercise in Busoga
ARMY SEEKS MORE TECHNICALLY SKILLED RECRUITS
Military officials say the strategy focuses on recruiting people with technical and specialized skills. This marks a shift from traditional manpower-based recruitment.
Applicants with qualifications in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, information technology and engineering are expected to have an advantage during recruitment.
The UPDF has invested heavily in surveillance systems, intelligence operations and aviation. It has also expanded communications infrastructure, cyber-security capabilities and military engineering. These areas require personnel with strong academic and technical skills.
Security experts say modern military operations now rely heavily on technology, data systems and specialized equipment rather than conventional combat skills alone.
“The military today requires people who can operate complex systems, analyze intelligence, manage technology and support specialized operations,” a Kampala-based security analyst said.
Over the past decade, the UPDF has expanded training partnerships. It has acquired modern defence equipment and strengthened specialized units involved in intelligence gathering, counter-terrorism and peacekeeping missions.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Online applications are expected to run from June 10 to June 24, 2026.
After the application period closes, shortlisted candidates will be published between July 1 and July 14. The names will be available through district headquarters, city authorities and official UPDF communication channels.
District security committees, Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Chief Administrative Officers and local leaders have been directed to supervise the exercise and ensure compliance with recruitment procedures.
Authorities say district-based quotas will be used. The system is intended to ensure national balance and equal regional representation.
Special arrangements have also been introduced for the Kampala Metropolitan Area due to the large number of expected applicants.
Municipalities and divisions including Kira, Nansana, Makindye-Ssabagabo, Busiro North and Busiro South will reportedly operate as independent recruitment units during the exercise.
GOVERNMENT MOVES TO ELIMINATE BRIBERY
The latest recruitment exercise places strong emphasis on fighting corruption. The move follows repeated allegations of bribery and fraud during previous enlistment exercises.
Previous recruitment exercises faced allegations of corruption. Some applicants were reportedly asked to pay brokers, local officials or individuals claiming to have links to military leaders.
Some families reportedly lost substantial amounts of money to fraudsters promising guaranteed recruitment opportunities.
In several cases, security agencies arrested individuals accused of impersonating soldiers or forging recruitment documents to extort money from desperate applicants.
Authorities say stricter verification systems have been introduced. Supervision and monitoring have also been strengthened to improve transparency and accountability.
Officials insist that recruitment into the UPDF remains entirely free of charge and have warned applicants against paying money to any person claiming to facilitate enlistment.
Read more: UPDF launches recruitment drive in Kigezi and Ankole
The Office of the President has instructed district leaders to ensure fairness throughout the process while security agencies monitor for cases of extortion, document forgery, favoritism and illegal interference.
Members of the public have additionally been encouraged to report suspected corruption during the exercise.
RECRUITMENT EXPECTED TO ATTRACT THOUSANDS
The recruitment drive is expected to attract thousands of young Ugandans. Interest remains high due to unemployment and competition for formal jobs.
Many applicants view military service as a stable career. It offers regular income, accommodation, medical support and long-term government employment.
Interest in the UPDF has also increased following recent salary enhancements approved for junior soldiers and officers.
Earlier this year, the government revised the military pay structure. Salaries for lower-ranking personnel were increased to improve morale and professionalism.
A Private’s monthly salary is expected to exceed Shs800,000, while other lower-ranking officers are also projected to receive higher earnings and allowances.
Government officials argue that improved welfare within the security forces is necessary to reduce corruption and improve operational efficiency.
REGIONAL SECURITY CONCERNS
The recruitment exercise comes as Uganda remains active in regional security operations.
The UPDF continues to participate in counter-terrorism missions in Somalia. It is also involved in operations against armed groups in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, including the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
Uganda has also maintained heightened domestic security deployments following regional instability and concerns over cross-border armed activity.
Analysts believe the latest recruitment partly reflects the government’s efforts to maintain operational readiness as regional security challenges continue evolving.
Military authorities have urged eligible youth to apply only through official procedures and avoid individuals seeking money or promising preferential treatment during the recruitment process.
written by @enock katamba
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Enock Katamba – Journalist | Founder of Uncovered Ug (uncoveredug.com)
Enock Katamba is a Ugandan journalist and founder of Uncovered Uganda, a digital online news platform covering health, national news, entertainment, celebrity gossip, music, education, business, sports, and international news. He focuses on delivering accurate, timely, and reliable information to keep the public informed.
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