The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has wrapped up a 10-day recruitment drive in the Karamoja Sub-region with a stern call to the newly enlisted soldiers to carry the nation’s flag with discipline, protect your health, and embrace patriotism.
From Kotido to Amudat, local leaders and UPDF officials took turns reminding the 185 successful recruits among them 12 women that their conduct in training and service would define their military careers and their communities’ pride.
“You must treat discipline as the bedrock of your success,” Kotido RDC Icogor Charles told the recruits, urging them to guard against indiscipline and misconduct. In Amudat, RDC Okori Denis delivered a blunt warning: “Avoid alcohol, smoking, and promiscuity. Stay healthy so you are not a burden to yourself or the government.”
Moroto Municipality Mayor, Hon. Ismail Mohammed, called for unwavering patriotism, challenging the recruits to represent Karamoja with honour throughout their service.
In a nod to the unique challenges of the region, some applicants were enlisted under affirmative action a gesture welcomed by local leaders. They also reminded youth to safeguard their academic documents to seize both government and private sector opportunities.
Head of UPDF Recruitment Team Seven, Col. Santurino Mashereka Tumuranzye, announced the final tally of recruits from the nine Karamoja districts and cautioned them to avoid risky behaviour that might prevent them from reporting to the Basic Recruits Training School in Kaweweta, Nakaseke.
The recruitment exercise was not without setbacks: several hopefuls were turned away over missing academic papers, mismatched personal details, or lack of national IDs.
Col. Tumuranzye commended district officials, parents, and communities for rallying behind the exercise and revealed that the recruitment team’s next stop will be Kapchorwa for the Sebei Sub-region phase from August 11 to 14, 2025.
