By Joshua Imalingat
The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces has commenced the 2024 national recruitment exercise in the Karamoja Sub-region.
Maj. Isaac Oware the UPDF 3rd division public information officer in a statement said the exercise which commenced on Monday 1st July 2024 saw all shortlisted candidates from Kaabong and Karenga districts turning up for the selection process at Kaabong selection center.
Col. James Barigye Rukundo, the Team Leader and substantive 3rd Division Operations and Training Officer (3 DOTO), in his address urged the aspiring candidates, to maintain discipline, follow instructions, and exercise patience throughout the interview process.
He assured the candidates and district leadership that the interview stages would be systematic, transparent, and fair, as they aim to select worthy soldiers.
Col Rukundo further emphasised that the UPDF would uphold its dignity and maintain its standards throughout the process.
Filbert Ocailap the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Karenga, hailed the UPDF leadership for adopting a new approach to shortlisting candidates based on official adverts and projected quotas, as well as providing guidance and clarity throughout the recruitment process.
Jino Meri, the District Chairperson Kaabong, advocated for affirmative action for candidates from the Karamoja Sub-region.
Captain Chris Mike Okiria the Resident District Commissioner Kaabong expressed concern that many of the shortlisted candidates failed the exercise on medical grounds.
He is however, optimistic that his district will be able to raise the required quota of 22 out of the 36 candidates shortlisted.
The recruitment team that is set to wind up with the exercise in Kaabong recruitment centre, today aims to select 22 candidates from Kaabong district and 12 from the 14 shortlisted for Karenga district. The team will conduct a similar exercise at the Kotido centre tomorrow 3 July 2024 for candidates from Kotido district and on Thursday 4 July 2024 for those from Abim district.
