KAMPALA — The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has announced a nationwide recruitment exercise that will run from July 20 to August 1, 2026, offering opportunities to both ordinary recruits and professionals across a wide range of fields.
Addressing journalists in Kampala, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Col Chris Magezi, said the exercise seeks to attract qualified, disciplined and patriotic Ugandans willing to serve the country under the UPDF’s regular and specialised services.
The recruitment process will begin with online applications through the UPDF recruitment portal from June 10 to June 24, 2026. “Qualified, disciplined and patriotic Ugandan citizens are invited to apply and serve their country in both regular and professional capacities,” Col Magezi said.
According to the UPDF, applicants must be Ugandan citizens possessing valid National Identity Cards, be physically and medically fit, law-abiding, and have recommendations from local leaders.
The shortlist of successful candidates will be published on the UPDF website and displayed on district and city notice boards between July 1 and July 14, ahead of the physical recruitment exercise scheduled for July 20 to August 1 in respective districts across the country.
Col Magezi said district recruitment quotas will be guided by findings from the 2024 National Population and Housing Census to ensure equitable representation.
Wide Range of Professional Opportunities
Unlike previous recruitment exercises that largely focused on general military service, this year’s exercise places significant emphasis on specialised skills and professional expertise.
The UPDF is seeking General Recruits with Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) qualifications aged between 18 and 22 years.
The force is also recruiting Information and Communication Technology specialists with master’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees and diplomas.
Other targeted professionals include engineers, logistics experts, aviation personnel, healthcare workers, legal practitioners, teachers, social scientists, musicians and sports personnel.
The aviation category covers pilot instructors, pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers and meteorologists, while the health sector opportunities include specialist doctors, medical officers, pharmacists, nurses and allied health professionals.
The UPDF is also recruiting advocates with at least five years of legal practice experience and graduate teachers holding valid registration certificates for both primary and secondary education.
Women Encouraged to Apply
Col Magezi urged qualified women, particularly those with professional qualifications, to take advantage of the opportunity and apply. “Females with professional qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply,” he said.
The military spokesperson emphasised that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge and warned the public against fraudsters claiming to influence selection.
“Recruitment is free of charge. No agents or intermediaries are involved. Members of the public should report any individuals soliciting money in exchange for recruitment opportunities,” he said.
He further warned that anyone found presenting forged academic credentials, identity documents, or other falsified records would face arrest and prosecution.
Upholding Core Values
The UPDF said the recruitment exercise is intended to strengthen the force’s human resource base while advancing its core values of discipline, patriotism and Pan-Africanism.
Interested applicants have been advised to visit the UPDF website for detailed requirements and application guidelines or consult the June 5, 2026, edition of the New Vision newspaper.
“The UPDF calls upon all eligible Ugandans to seize this opportunity to serve their nation,” Col Magezi said.
The nationwide exercise is expected to attract thousands of applicants as the military seeks to replenish its ranks and strengthen specialised capabilities in key sectors, including health, engineering, aviation, education and information technology.