Updf recruitment: wanted defilement suspect, two forgery suspects arrested in Lira

17 August 2026, 10:18 pm

By Hillary Opio

​A wanted defilement suspect was arrested on Monday at the Mayor Gardens recruitment center in Lira City during the ongoing Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) screening exercise.

​The suspect, Michael Ojok, a resident of Corner Adwari in Otuke District, was wanted for allegedly defiling a minor in Adwari Sub-county. Otuke Assistant Resident District Commissioner (ARDC) Isaac Opio Opeo confirmed that a case had been registered against Ojok at Otuke Central Police Station on June 27, 2026.

​Upon spotting Ojok among the applicants representing Otuke and Alebtong districts, Opio Opeo alerted the Otuke District Police Commander (DPC). Officers subsequently arrested Ojok at the venue and transferred him back to Otuke Central Police Station for further investigation.

​Forgery Arrests and Recruitment Updates

​In a separate incident at the same venue, Alebtong Assistant RDC Lameck Ongom confirmed the arrest of two applicants—a male and a female from Alebtong District—over alleged document forgery. Police detained the pair after detecting irregularities in their credentials.

Alebtong ARDC Lameck Ongom Ongom speaking to the media after successfully executing the arrest of a suspect

​Despite the arrests, 4th Infantry Division Spokesperson Major Bilal Katamba stated that the regional exercise, which began on August 10 across the Acholi and Lango sub-regions, is progressing smoothly.

So far, the military has selected 76 recruits from Alebtong District and 76 from Otuke District. Major Katamba urged candidates to maintain high standards of conduct, emphasizing that entry into the UPDF requires individuals to have clean criminal records and strong reputations within their communities.

​The recruitment team moves to Dokolo and Amolatar districts on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Authorities continue to remind applicants to follow official procedures and present authentic documentation