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Lira, Uganda | URN | A 20-year-old man accused of committing defilement has been arrested after being successfully shortlisted in the ongoing recruitment drive by the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) in Lira City.
The suspect identified as Michael Ojok was apprehended by the UPDF recruitment team six on Monday at the Lira Recruitment center during physical screening exercises for candidates from Alebtong and Otuke districts.
The resident of a resident of Agali Village, Akware Parish, Adwari Sub-County in Otuke District reportedly defiled a 16 year-old girl in 2025. A case of defilement had previously been reported to the Otuke Police Station under reference number SD 27/06/07/2025.
According to army officials, the suspect’s arrest followed a diligent investigation by the police, who spotted the suspect’s name on the official shortlist displayed at the Otuke District Headquarters notice board.
Maj. Bilal Katamba, the Public Information Officer for Team Six, confirmed the arrest of the suspect reiterating that the UPDF strictly admits crime-free youth.
Maj Katamba noted that such incidents is the reason why the army conducts stringent vetting process and mandates verified paperwork, including basic requirements like recommendations from Local Council one chairpersons and District Internal Security Officers (DISO).
Isaac Opio Opeo, the Otuke Deputy Resident District Commissioner commended the security agencies for their seamless coordination and cooperation, which led to the timely apprehension of the suspect.
By Press time, the suspect had been taken to Otuke Police Station as investigation into his alleged crime commences.
Out of the 57 shortlisted applicants, only 36 passed the different tests and made it through for training whereas in Alebtong District, only 61 successfully completed the screening out of the 139 who were shortlisted.
