Authorities in Kitgum District have arrested three men accused of attempting to pay their way into the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) during the ongoing national recruitment exercise.
The trio — none of them on the shortlist of successful applicants for Kitgum or Lamwo districts — was reportedly caught offering cash to the leader of Team Six, the Northern Region recruitment unit, in exchange for enlistment.
Those in custody have been named as Okema Samuel of Kitgum District, allegedly caught with Shs 200,000; Torach Isaac from Lamwo District, allegedly carrying Shs 600,000; and Ocaya Joel of Lamwo District, allegedly found with Shs 100,000. They have since been handed over to police for further management.
Recruitment figures released by the UPDF show that Kitgum District successfully enlisted 65 candidates — 59 for regular service (56 men and three women) and seven professionals. In neighbouring Lamwo, 27 applicants made it through the physical stage, including 19 male and five female regular recruits, and three professionals.
The UPDF has repeatedly cautioned against bribery, warning that such attempts not only undermine the integrity of the process but also lead to immediate arrest and prosecution.