Michael Ojok & Agency
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) says it has embarked on a nationwide recruitment exercise aimed at replacing retiring officers and men.
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.
The army plans to recruit over 10,000 soldiers between June and August. Some of the personnel are need 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.
According to the UPDF spokesperson, the first category of general recruits will require 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.
