By Emmanuel Olinga
The ongoing Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) recruitment exercise has attracted massive numbers in Katakwi District, though many applicants have expressed disappointment after finding their names missing from the shortlist.
The recruitment exercise, which commenced on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at Katakwi Boma Grounds, drew aspiring recruits from Katakwi, Amuria, and Kapelebyong districts.
Despite the huge turnout, several candidates left frustrated after discovering they were not shortlisted in the recruitment system.
Nationwide, 78,000 people applied for the 2025 recruitment exercise, but the UPDF is targeting to take in only 11,500 recruits.
For Katakwi District, out of 144 shortlisted applicants, only 107 are targeted for recruitment.
Similarly, in Kapelebyong, 78 names were shortlisted against a target of 57, while Amuria District registered 167 shortlisted candidates for 137 recruitment slots.
Captain Edrin Mawanda, the Public Information Officer (PIO) for Recruitment Team Eight, which covers Teso and Bukedi regions, described the Katakwi exercise as successful, citing the overwhelming turnout and positive cooperation from local leaders.
“The recruitment has been marked with big turn-ups and excellent teamwork from local leaders. We commend applicants for their discipline and the smooth conduct of the exercise,” said Capt. Mawanda.
He urged other districts in Teso and Bukedi, where the recruitment is yet to take place, to ensure that applicants come with the required documents, including national identity cards, passport photos, application letters endorsed by LC I chairpersons, and clearance from District Internal Security Officers (DISOs).
Capt. Mawanda also cautioned against fraudulent practices.
“This exercise is absolutely free and fair. Anyone found soliciting money from applicants under the guise of securing recruitment will be arrested,” he warned.
Katakwi Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Stephen Ilemukorit Okure, attributed the complaints of missing names to failure to meet application requirements and health-related disqualifications.
“Many of those complaining about not being shortlisted either did not apply properly or were over-aged. Others were disqualified due to medical complications, such as scars, missing teeth, or other conditions,” explained Ilemukorit.
He added that the preliminary report indicated a smooth and fraud-free process, with no recorded cases of forged documents or defrauding attempts.
Several applicants shared their frustration over failing to make the cut.
Aaron Amodoi from Ogongora village, Akoboi Sub-county in Katakwi, revealed that he was disqualified over allegations of presenting fake academic papers.
“I applied with genuine papers, but they claimed my documents were fake. I feel disappointed because I have always dreamt of joining the army,” lamented Amodoi.
Similarly, Ben Epungu and Samuel Okiror, both from Kapelebyong District, expressed dismay after being turned away for being over the required age limit.
“We were told we are past the age requirement, yet we still feel strong enough to serve,” said Epungu.
The physical recruitment exercise, which kicked off today, will run until August 15, 2025, at various recruitment centers across Uganda.
The UPDF hopes to meet its national recruitment target of 11,500 new soldiers by the end of the exercise.
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