The Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) have launched a nationwide recruitment exercise targeting qualified Ugandan citizens to join both regular and professional military service, with applications set to begin online from June 10 to June 24, 2026.
According to the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Colonel Chris Magezi, the exercise will be guided by district and city quotas informed by the 2024 National Population and Housing Census, as the army seeks to enlist disciplined, patriotic, and skilled Ugandans into different service categories.
While addressing Journalists at Uganda Media Center in Kampala on Friday, Colonel Magezi emphasized that the recruitment process will be conducted in three phases, beginning with an online application through the official UPDF recruitment portal. Applicants will be required to submit passport photographs, academic documents from recognized institutions, and copies of their National Identity Cards.
“The second phase, scheduled for July 1 to July 14, will involve the publication of shortlisted candidates on the UPDF website and display at district and city headquarters across the country. Physical recruitment and medical interviews are expected to take place nationwide between July 20 and August 1”. He said.
He added “The army has opened opportunities for both ordinary recruits and professionals in specialized fields including Information and Communication Technology (ICT), engineering, logistics, aviation, health services, law, education, sports, social sciences, and music”.
For regular forces, applicants aged between 18 and 22 years with Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) or Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) qualifications obtained in 2024 or 2025 have been encouraged to apply.
Meanwhile, professionals with qualifications in medicine, engineering, aviation, legal practice, teaching, and ICT are also being considered under specific age and academic requirements.
In a move aimed at promoting inclusivity, Colonel Magezi has particularly encouraged females with professional qualifications to apply for service opportunities.
He noted that recruitment is entirely free of charge and warned the public against fraudsters posing as agents or intermediaries. He further cautioned applicants against presenting forged academic documents, noting that offenders risk arrest and prosecution.
“Applicants are also required to obtain recommendations from local leaders, including LCI, LCII, and LCIII chairpersons, as well as security officials such as the GISO or DISO and the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), before applying”. He said.
He revealed that the exercise presents an opportunity for qualified and committed Ugandans to serve their country under the values of discipline, patriotism, and Pan-Africanism.
