Gulu, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | Three individuals have been arrested in Gulu City after presenting forged academic documents during the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) recruitment process.
The arrests occurred Tuesday morning at Pece War Memorial Stadium in Pece-Laroo Division during a screening session for applicants from Gulu City, Gulu District, and Omoro District.
Capt. Ahmed Hassan Kato, Public Information Officer of the Fourth Infantry Division, stated that the suspects were handed over to the police and are currently held at Gulu Central Police Station for further investigation.
According to Capt. Kato, the suspects, whose identities were not disclosed, were part of the shortlisted applicants who had arrived for the screening.
Applicants from Gulu City, Gulu District, and Omoro District competed for the available positions: 38 slots for Gulu City, 21 slots for Gulu District, and 36 slots for Omoro District.
Candidates were required to present authentic academic documents and national IDs and pass both medical and physical tests.
Capt. Dr. Alex Kisa highlighted that only those who pass the medical examinations will proceed to UPDF training. The medical evaluation includes physical inspections for scars, missing teeth, skin rashes, and missing fingers, along with lab tests for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B, and diabetes, among others.
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Gulu Resident District Commissioner Alice Akello Opio noted that although 63 people applied for the 21 slots, only 19 were shortlisted. Of these, three did not appear for the screening, and one was arrested for presenting forged academic documents.
The UPDF aims to recruit a total of 9,600 soldiers to enhance its current force of over 46,000 active personnel, as per the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs. Uganda also maintains a reserve force of 35,000.
The nationwide recruitment exercise, which began on July 1, has so far resulted in 40 recruits from Adjumani District in Northern Uganda.
