Two shortlisted candidates arrested during UPDF recruitment in Pader

6 July 2024, 12:17

By Lakomekec Kinyera

Two individuals were arrested for possessing fake academic documents during the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) recruitment exercise on Saturday, 6 July 2024. The incident took place at the Pader district headquarters.

Captain Kato Ahmad Hassan, the UPDF 4th Infantry Division Public Information Officer, confirmed the arrests and stated, “The candidates were caught with fake academic documents during the vetting process.” The suspects were handed over to Pader Central Police Station, although their identities have not yet been disclosed.

The vetting process was thorough, managed jointly by several officials. “The cross checking was handled jointly by the DISO Pader, Assistant Team Leader Lt Col Wilfred Tokuma Adengo, Senior Instructor Major Abraham Klimu, and witnessed by RDC Agago Nobinson Kidega and DISO Pader Matovu Godfrey,” Captain Kato explained. He emphasised the importance of fairness and transparency in the recruitment exercise to ensure that only qualified candidates are selected.

Despite a commendable turnout, the recruitment exercise faced challenges, particularly with some participants lacking proper identification and documents. Captain Kato acknowledged these issues but praised the overall participation, noting, “We faced some challenges with participants lacking proper identification and documents, but the turnout was good.”

The UPDF aims to recruit 9,600 soldiers into its infantry forces to strengthen its current capacity, which stands at over 46,000 active personnel. This recruitment drive is part of a broader effort to enhance national security and defence capabilities. According to statistics from the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, this expansion is crucial for maintaining a robust defence force.