The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has launched a recruitment drive to enlist 9,627 new soldiers. Applicants must have passed both Mathematics and English at the ordinary level and be aged between 18 and 22. This recruitment follows public complaints about corruption and favoritism in previous exercises, prompting demands for a more transparent process.
Application Process for UPDF Recruitment 2024
- Eligibility: Applicants must have obtained their Uganda Certificate of Education between 2020 and 2023.
- Forms: Application forms are available on the UPDF website.
- Submission: Completed forms must be submitted to the Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) of the applicants’ respective regions.
Required Documents to join UPDF
Brig Gen Felix Kulayigye, the Director of Defence Public Information, outlined the necessary documents:
- Original national identity cards
- Recommendations from Local Council I, II, and III leaders
- Endorsements from Gombolola Internal Security Organisation and District Internal Security Organisation officers
UPDF Recruitment 2024 Schedule
The recruitment will occur from July 1 to July 14, 2024. It will follow a quota system based on population statistics from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, ensuring equitable representation across districts.
Special Provisions for Kampala Metropolitan Area
The Kampala Metropolitan Area, encompassing Kampala City and Wakiso District, will receive special attention. Recruitment interviews for this area will be held at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, with specific days allocated for different divisions.
Measures to Ensure Fairness
In response to previous allegations of corruption, new measures have been introduced:
- RDCs will hand over applications to UPDF teams for document assessment.
- Shortlisted candidates will be published on RDC notice boards.
- Interviews for successful applicants will take place between July 1 and July 14, followed by training for the selected candidates.
Salary Increment For UPDF Officers
The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs has recommended a salary increase for low-rank soldiers, which is likely to attract more applicants. If approved, the salary structure will be as follows:
- Private: From Shs485,279 to Shs828,426
- Lance Corporal: From Shs495,000 to Shs1.03m
- Corporal: From Shs514,000 to Shs1m
- Sergeant: From Shs514,000 to Shs1.3m
- Staff Sergeant: From Shs523,800 to Shs1.59m
- Warrant Officer Class 2: From Shs574,300 to Shs1.85m
- Warrant Officer Class 1: From Shs591,700 to Shs2.09m
- Second Lieutenant: From Shs613,700 to Shs2.38m
- Lieutenant: From Shs772,600 to Shs2.48m
- Captain: From Shs845,600 to Shs2.73m
Economic Implications For UPDF
While the salary increments will improve soldiers’ livelihoods, they will also increase the army’s wage bill to over Shs1 trillion, adding pressure on taxpayers amid a challenging economic environment following cuts in donor aid.
Preparedness in Peacetime
Addressing concerns about the timing of the recruitment, Brig Gen Kulayigye emphasized that preparations for potential conflicts are made during peacetime to ensure readiness.
For more details and updates on the recruitment process, visit the UPDF official website.
