The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) on Monday began the physical phase of its 2026 recruitment exercise, with thousands of shortlisted applicants reporting to recruitment centres across the country.
The exercise, running from August 10 to 22, follows an online application process conducted earlier this year and is intended to select 10,200 Ugandans for enlistment into the military.
At Kabale Main Stadium, applicants from the Kigezi region gathered early for physical and medical screening before undergoing verification of their academic and other documents.
The exercise in Kabale is being led by Brig Gen James Kasule, deputised by Col Anatoli Nuwagira, according to the recruitment team. Maj Edward Birungi, the recruitment team spokesperson in the region, said the process would begin with assessment of candidates’ physical and medical fitness before document verification.
Large numbers of applicants were also reported at recruitment centres in other parts of the country, including Kololo in Kampala, Paridi Stadium in Adjumani, Mbale and Kasese.
The UPDF has said only candidates who successfully passed the online application and were shortlisted were eligible to participate in the physical recruitment exercise.
The intake is divided between general recruits and professionals, with the latter category targeting Ugandans with specialised skills required by the force.
The professional intake includes specialists in areas such as information and communications technology, engineering, medicine, aviation, law, education, logistics, sports and music.
The general recruitment category targets young Ugandans meeting the prescribed academic and other eligibility requirements.
Applicants appearing at the recruitment centres are required to present their original National Identification Cards, academic documents and other identification and recommendation documents specified by the UPDF.
The military has urged applicants to remain vigilant against fraudsters and emphasised that the recruitment process is conducted without payment.
The exercise comes as the UPDF continues efforts to strengthen its manpower and recruit personnel with specialised skills alongside conventional military recruits.
The physical screening will continue at designated centres around the country until August 22, after which successful candidates will proceed to the next stage of the recruitment process.
The UPDF has urged shortlisted candidates to report only to the recruitment centres indicated in the official recruitment arrangements and to follow instructions from recruitment officials.
The large turnout on the opening day reflects continued demand for military employment among young Ugandans, as the UPDF seeks to fill both general manpower requirements and specialised positions within the force.