At least 50 candidates who turned up for the ongoing Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) recruitment exercise in Kabale District were on Monday disqualified for failing to meet the required criteria.
According to the UPDF recruitment team spokesperson for Western Uganda, Maj Edward Birungi, the affected individuals were eliminated due to health complications and missing out on the official shortlist.
‘We expected about 51 candidates from Kabale, 34 from Rukiga, and 46 from Rubanda District. Although the turnout was not 100 percent, it was over 90 percent. After health screening, about 20 candidates were disqualified because of health-related issues, while about 30 candidates were disqualified because they were not shortlisted. We appeal to those who failed to make it to try again next time,’ Maj Birungi said.
Maj Birungi explained that the recruitment team carefully verified all academic credentials and recommendation letters submitted through the online application portal to confirm their authenticity before final enlistment into the force.
Following their disqualification, dozens of frustrated youths gathered at the Kabale Stadium main gate, blaming their plight on the online application system used by the military. Candidates including Mr. Spencer Arinda, 24, who holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Mr. Francis Katushabe, 24, Mr. Brave Tumukunde, 24, Mr. Blair Niwenyesiga, 27, and Mr. Amama Mbabazi, 25, expressed shock after discovering their names were missing from the shortlist despite submitting all necessary credentials.
‘I am completely disappointed to find that I was not shortlisted for the UPDF recruitment exercise, yet I submitted all that was required through the online application platform which was provided by the UPDF. I am not happy because my dream to join the UPDF has been frustrated,’ Mr. Arinda said.
In a recruitment advertisement issued by the UPDF on June 5, applicants were required to be Ugandan citizens holding a valid National Identification Card, physically and medically fit, law-abiding with no criminal record, and backed by written recommendations from Local Council chairpersons, Internal Security Officers, and the Resident District Commissioner.