A 23-year-old man from Rubirizi District has been arrested for attempting to join the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) recruitment exercise without being on the official shortlist.
The suspect, identified as Obed Kakuru from Kirugu 2B Village, Kikumbo Parish, Kirugu Sub-county in Rubirizi District, was arrested by Team Nine for attempting to infiltrate the ongoing Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) recruitment exercise.
UPDF spokesperson Maj. Kiconco Tabaro confirmed the arrest, stating that Kakuru will be handed over to police for further action.
He stressed that only officially shortlisted candidates are eligible to participate in the recruitment process, warning that anyone attempting to bypass established procedures will face arrest and prosecution.
Tabaro added that the recruitment team will be at Kakyeka Stadium in Mbarara on August 12–15, 2025, where a total of 1,447 recruits are expected from the greater Ankole and Kigezi regions.
Last week, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) also arrested a 27-year-old man who attempted to bribe his way into the army during the ongoing recruitment exercise in Kabale District.
The suspect, identified as Esau Niwandinda, a resident of Nyakarambi Cell, Birambo Parish, Maziba Sub-county, was arrested on Wednesday at Kabale Stadium while allegedly offering a bribe of Shs 1 million to secure recruitment into the force.
According to Maj. Tabaro, such acts are criminal and punishable under Ugandan law.
“Those who think they can bribe their way into the UPDF are daydreaming. Get warned, we will catch you,” Maj. Tabaro said.
He emphasized that the ongoing recruitment exercise aims to enlist 1,447 candidates from the Western region, all of whom are expected to report to Kaweweta Training School in Nakaseke District within three days after the recruitment ends.
