The UPDF spokesperson Brig. Gen Felix Kulayigye said eligible candidates must be citizens of Uganda in possession of an original National Identity Card/NIN and must be healthy and ready to undergo medical and body fitness tests at the recruitment centre as well as at the training school.

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) is set to recruit 600 Local Defence Personnel (LDPs) in six districts of the Rwenzori sub-region.

The area under UPDF Mountain Division is a specialised military unit focused on mountain warfare.

According to a statement released by the UPDF department of defence public information today (November 4), each of the districts of Kamwenge, Kabarole, Bunyangabu, Kasese, Bundibugyo, and Ntoroko will recruit 100 personnel.

The exercise will start on November 10, 2025, in Kabarole district at Boma Grounds.
Recruitment will also take place at Kamwenge on November 11, Bunyangabo on November 12, Kasese on November 13, Bundibugyo on November 14, and Ntoroko on November 15.

The announcement comes in the wake of renewed insecurity in the Rwenzori region.
On Saturday ( November 1), three different armed groups launched coordinated attacks on police stations, UPDF detachments, and civilian communities in Kasese, Fort Portal and Bundibugyo districts.

At least 19 people, including one non-combatant, were killed, several others injured, and some suspects arrested in the ensuing security operations. 

The attacks sparked panic across the three districts, prompting security forces to heighten deployments and urge residents not to spread fear.

The UPDF spokesperson Brig. Gen Felix Kulayigye said eligible candidates must be citizens of Uganda in possession of an original National Identity Card/NIN and must be healthy and ready to undergo medical and body fitness tests at the recruitment centre as well as at the training school.

He also said candidates will be required to present a handwritten application letter endorsed by Local Councils I, II and III, as well as the Gombolola Internal Security Officer or District Internal Security Officer.

Kulayigye also said the recruitment targets Ugandan citizens aged between 18 and 25 years, who possess at least an O-Level certificate (Uganda Certificate of Education) or its equivalent.

He warned that presentation of forged documents is criminal and those found culpable will be prosecuted.

Procedure

According to the UPDF spokesperson, candidates are required to report individually to their respective district recruitment centres for physical and medical interviews with all necessary documents, including their National ID and academic certificates.

Successful candidates will be transported to a UPDF training school for further preparation.

“The UPDF leadership calls upon all eligible Ugandans to take advantage of this opportunity to serve their country,” Brig. Gen Kulayigye said.

He added that patriotism, nationalism, and Pan-Africanism remain the foundation of the army’s service to the nation.