The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has announced a recruitment exercise for 600 Local Defence Personnel (LDP) across six districts in Western Uganda.
The exercise, set to begin on 10 November 2025, will take place in Kamwenge, Kabarole, Bunyangabo, Kasese, Bundibugyo, and Ntoroko districts.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, Major General Felix Kulayigye, Director of Defence Public Information, emphasized the importance of the exercise in strengthening national security and community-based defense initiatives.
“This recruitment provides an opportunity for young Ugandans to serve their country while embracing the values of patriotism, nationalism, and Pan-Africanism, which underpin UPDF service,” he said.
Selection Criteria
Candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Citizenship: Must be a Ugandan citizen with an original National Identity Card/NIN.
- Medical Fitness: Must be healthy and able to undergo medical and physical fitness tests.
- Age: Must be between 18 and 25 years.
- Education: Must have completed S.4 (UCE) or its equivalent.
- Endorsements: Handwritten application letters endorsed by LC1, LC2, LC3 Chairpersons, and the GISO or DISO.
- Residency and Conduct: Applicants must be residents of the respective districts, disciplined, and with no criminal record.
Major General Kulayigye cautioned that presenting forged documents is a criminal offense and offenders will face prosecution.
Application Requirements
Applicants are required to report individually to their district recruitment centers with:
- A handwritten application with the necessary endorsements
- National Identity Card/NIN
- O-Level academic certificate
Successfully recruited LDP will be transported to the training school for military training.
Recruitment Schedule and Quotas
| Date | District | Location | Quota |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Nov 2025 | Kabarole | Boma Grounds | 100 LDP |
| 11 Nov 2025 | Kamwenge | District HQ | 100 LDP |
| 12 Nov 2025 | Bunyangabo | District HQ | 100 LDP |
| 13 Nov 2025 | Kasese | District HQ | 100 LDP |
| 14 Nov 2025 | Bundibugyo | District HQ | 100 LDP |
| 15 Nov 2025 | Ntoroko | District HQ | 100 LDP |
Kulayigye encourages all eligible candidates to seize this chance to serve their country and wishes them success in their military careers.
