KAMPALA, UGANDA: The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) is set to recruit 2,000 graduates in the country’s armed forces, the First son and Commander of the Land Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba said on Saturday night.
“As Commander Land Forces of UPDF and on the instructions of the Commander in Chief, I declare that we need 2,000 graduates in the next recruitment,” Muhoozi said.
This is the first time the UPDF is setting a specific number for graduates to join the armed forces.
It is understood that the UPDF has in the last three years not been giving sufficient attention to graduates, compelling President Museveni to take action.
According to an official from UPDF, Museveni has since issued a warning that failure to execute his instructions on recruiting graduates would attract serious ramifications into the armed forces.
The requirements for one to join the army include bearing citizenship as a true native of Ugandan origin, and the candidate should also possess an Original National Identity Card.
Other requirements are; one must be healthy and medically fit; ready to undergo medical and physical body check and a road run to test endurance and body fitness.
According to the official, regular recruits to be selected must be aged between 18-25 years and professional recruits between 18 and 30 years.
The recruits have to be single with no children and also possess a minimum formal education of S.4 (UCE) or S.6 in science subjects.
The UPDF recently embarked on the recruitment of 10,000 Local Defence Unit personnel.
There are more than 25,000 LDU militants across the country who were trained and deployed following an increased wave of crime in various parts of the country including killing of some high profile personalities.
Do you have a story or an opinion to share? Email us on: [email protected] Or join the Daily Express WhatsApp channel for all the latest news and trends or join the Telegram Channel for the latest updates.
