The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has rolled out an alternative email-based application process to address technical challenges affecting its ongoing online recruitment exercise. This comes after several applicants reported difficulties accessing or completing submissions through the official recruitment portal.
In a press release issued by the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs on Tuesday, Major General Felix Kulayigye, the Director of Defence Public Information, announced that eligible candidates can now submit their details via email in Excel format to recruitment@updf.go.ug. The alternative channel is open until 15 July 2025.
“This arrangement is intended to ensure that no eligible candidate is left out due to system challenges,” Maj Gen Kulayigye noted.
Applicants are required to include their full name, National Identification Number (NIN), education level, date of birth, and location details (District, Sub-county, Parish, Village). The submission must also include scanned copies of their National ID, academic transcripts, and a passport photo.
Background: 11,500 to be Recruited
The 2025 UPDF recruitment drive seeks to enlist 11,500 Ugandans into both regular and specialized forces. The exercise, which officially launched on 7 July 2025, marked the army’s transition to a fully online application system for the first time in history.
Eligible applicants include:
- Regular recruits: Must hold UCE certificates and be aged 18–22
- Grade V teachers and diploma holders: Ages 20–25
- Professional candidates (e.g., engineers, pilots, IT experts): Up to 30 years old
Applicants must also be Ugandan citizens, medically fit, and have no criminal record. Handwritten applications endorsed by local authorities (LC I–III, GISO/DISO, RDC) remain mandatory.
Warning Against Scams
The UPDF has also sounded the alarm over increasing cases of recruitment scams. Candidates are reminded that the entire process is free of charge, and anyone demanding payment should be reported to the nearest police station.
“There are individuals recycling old videos and promising to help applicants for a fee. Do not fall victim,” warned Kulayigye during a recent media briefing.
What’s Next?
Following the submission deadline on 15 July, successful applicants will be shortlisted and called for physical and medical assessments at designated recruitment centers across the country. Updates will be posted on the UPDF website and district notice boards.
This year’s recruitment is seen as critical as Uganda prepares for the 2026 general elections, with the UPDF expected to play key roles in national security and electoral preparedness.
Discover more from The Uganda Ledger
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
