Defilement suspect arrested during UPDF recruitment exercise in Lira

17 August 2026, 8:55 pm

By Winnie Auma

The UPDF recruitment exercise for Otuke and Alebtong districts has led to the arrest of a man wanted in connection with a defilement case in Adwari Sub-county, Otuke District.

Michael Ojok, 21, was arrested at around 10am on Monday, 17 August 2026, after he turned up for the recruitment exercise held at Lira Mayor’s Garden in Lira City.

Maj Bilal Katamba, the UPDF Public Information Officer for the 4th Infantry Division and Recruitment Team Six, said police had earlier alerted the recruitment team that Ojok, who was wanted in connection with a criminal case, had applied to join the army.

Katamba said the recruitment team acted on the information and arrested Ojok before handing him over to the police for further investigation.

He warned people with criminal records against attempting to join the UPDF, saying applicants are required to have clean criminal records.

Katamba said security agencies work together during the recruitment process to ensure that individuals with criminal backgrounds do not gain entry into the force.

Meanwhile, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner for Otuke, Isaac Opio Opeo, said Ojok is a resident of Corner Adwari in Adwari Sub-county.

Opio said Ojok is alleged to have defiled a 16-year-old girl and that the case was reported at Otuke Central Police Station on 26 June 2026.

He said Ojok fled the area after the case was reported but was recently identified after applying to join the UPDF.

Opio said Ojok was arrested and handed over to police at Otuke Central Police Station, where he is currently detained as investigations continue.

Meanwhile, in Alebtong District, Assistant RDC Lameck Ongom said the recruitment exercise went on smoothly, with many applicants successfully completing the selection process.

Ongom attributed the high turnout to the prevailing peace in the country, which he said had encouraged young people to join the UPDF for employment opportunities.

However, Ongom said two other applicants were arrested for allegedly attempting to use forged academic documents.

He said a female applicant reportedly presented her sister’s academic documents, while a male applicant allegedly attempted to stand in for a friend who had failed to turn up for the recruitment exercise.

The two suspects were detected at the final stage of the recruitment process and are currently detained at Lira City Central Police Station as investigations continue.

A total of 96 candidates were selected from the 208 shortlisted applicants in Otuke and Alebtong districts.