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Kampala, Uganda | URN | The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) says it has embarked on a nationwide recruitment exercise aimed at replacing retiring officers and men.
The army plans to recruit over ten thousand soldiers between June and August, due to upcoming mass retirements. Some of the personel are needed to take up positions at Mbuya National Referral Hospital, which is about to commence operations.
Acting UPDF spokesperson Col Chris Magezi said the recruitment will be conducted online, with applications accepted from 10th to 24th June. Names of shortlisted candidates will be posted on district notice boards, at City Halls, and on the UPDF website.
A circular by UPDF Chief of Staff Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba, sent through the Office of the President to districts and local governments, said about 10,200 personnel, UCE and UACE leavers, plus professionals with science backgrounds, will be needed.
“Physical recruitment will be conducted in all districts and cities from 20th July to 1st August. During the exercise, we will use figures from the Uganda National Population and Housing Census 2024 to determine quotas for each district. This is to avoid claims of favoritism in the recruitment process.” Magezi said.
According to the UPDF spokesperson, the first category of general recruits will require a Uganda Certificate of Education (O-Level) or Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE). Applicants must be aged 18 to 25 and have sat their exams in 2024 or 2025.
The second category targets specialists and includes ICT professionals with master’s degrees, degrees, and diplomas; engineers and logistics experts, aviation professionals and meteorologists, health workers, specialist doctors, medical officers, physicists, and allied health professionals. Others include practicing lawyers, teachers, sports personnel, artists, social scientists, and psychologists.
Magezi explained that the recruitment serves two main purposes: addressing gaps from upcoming mass retirements and staffing the newly completed UPDF National Referral Hospital.
“As long as people turn up, we are ready to take in as many as we can. The UPDF has grown in stature and size over the years and is still expanding. We have many projects; for instance, we have a fully-fledged National Referral Hospital. So the more qualified and competent officers we get, the better.” Magezi said.
He said the hospital is not yet fully operational because more advanced medical and laboratory equipment is still being procured before the UPDF National Referral Hospital can operate at full capacity.
“Procurement of the equipment we currently need is still ongoing. This is advanced medical equipment for diagnostic investigations. Most importantly, this National Referral Hospital sits above Bombo General Hospital. It will do wonders for us by reducing the cost of sending people to Nairobi and India for specialized treatment,” Magezi stated.
UPDF said the general public will be allowed access to its National Referral Hospital in Mbuya, but they will have to pay for specialized treatments to maintain high-quality medical services.
Magezi added that the recruitment is necessitated by the forthcoming retirement of several UPDF officers across all ranks, reinforcing the need for new personnel at every level.
More than 500 officers will retire next month, including four-star General Katumba Wamala, former Chief of Defence Forces and former Minister of Works and Transport, who was recently appointed to the Public Service. The UPDF retirement age is 65 for serving generals or lieutenant generals, while major generals retire at 62.
This massive UPDF recruitment drive is a huge talking point for us here in Uganda, especially for the young people looking for meaningful career paths. As a Ugandan who cares deeply about education, professional growth, and our country’s development, I see this as a highly strategic move that goes way beyond standard military recruitment.
What stands out most is the focus on professionalism and merit. Using the 2024 Census data to determine district quotas is a brilliant step toward ensuring fairness, giving every corner of Uganda a chance to serve without complaints of favoritism. Moreover, targeting UCE and UACE leavers alongside high-level specialists—from engineers and ICT masters to artists, teachers, and specialized doctors—shows just how much the UPDF has modernized into a institution of professional career development.
The most exciting part of this announcement for me is the upcoming operationalization of the Mbuya National Referral Hospital. Bringing in our own specialized doctors and medical professionals to run a state-of-the-art facility is a game-changer. It means we are finally building the capacity to handle advanced diagnostic investigations right here at home, drastically cutting down the massive costs of sending our people to Nairobi or India for specialized treatment. It’s a proud moment for our national self-reliance.
To all the young Ugandans, job seekers, and science professionals out there, the online application window opens from June 10th to 24th. This is a solid door opening for many of our youth to serve the nation while building incredible, specialized careers.
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NYOMBI OBADIAH
How about those who sat last year and their original certificate or transcript is not yet back,what will they do during physical screening?
How about those who
Sat last year and their
original certificate or
transcript is not yet back, what will they do
during. Physical screening?
How about those who
Set last year and their
Original certificate or
Transcript is not yet back what
Will they do
During physical screening?
How about those who are 26 and about years
I sat for mi certificate in medical laboratory techniques, but de transcript is not yet out,iam I entitled to apply using Senior four certificate den I submit the one of laboratory later,please guide
Am realy pleased 2 hear this again am okiror andrew moses applying online is not bad but irealy suffered 4rom bombo baracks when i was shortlist 2024 to join i did acertificate of boat building and marine mechanics irealy need help whoever can help me 2 join i was ask at bombo 7million 2 join army my number is 0770509640/0750081566 need help
cozpatrick246@gmail.com
Needed to apply but seems it’s anebel to open how can I be helped within the stpulated period of time sincerely since am so much interested
Please a wat to be solidr bat am derive