UPDF 2026 Recruitment Marred by Low Turnout, Info Mismatch as Koboko and Kamwenge Fall Short of Targets

By Regina Lalam 

NATIONAL - The ongoing 2026 Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) nationwide recruitment exercise has been hit by low turnout and mismatched personal information in several districts.

 In Koboko District, the exercise recorded a poor turnout despite 54 candidates being shortlisted for 58 slots, including three females. According to UPDF Public Information Officer on Wednesday 20th August 2026 ,

Lt. Wilfred Oloya, only 38 shortlisted candidates turned up for interviews. Of these, 13 were sent to court to obtain affidavits over discrepancies in their personal information such as names, dates of birth and academic documents.

 Lt. Oloya said the affected candidates will only be allowed to proceed if they return within the required timeframe with the legal documents. Meanwhile, in Kamwenge and Kitagwenda districts, the UPDF also failed to meet its recruitment target.

The force had targeted 102 slots in the two districts but managed to recruit only 81 candidates, leaving a deficit of 21. In Kamwenge, out of a target of 72, only 51 were successfully enrolled, including 17 professionals and just two females.

Kitagwenda met its target of 30 recruits, comprising 13 professionals, four females and nine males. The recruitment exercise is ongoing across the country as UPDF seeks to enlist more personnel into the force.