15 arrested during UPDF recruitment exercise in Kitgum, Masindi

Masindi: At least 15 people were arrested in Kitgum and Masindi districts during the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) recruitment exercises, following incidents of forgery and bribery over the weekend.

In Kitgum District, eight suspects were arrested on Saturday, August 9, 2025, during a recruitment exercise held at the RDC’s Ground in Langalanga Cell, Town Ward, Central Division.

The recruitment covered candidates from both Kitgum and Lamwo districts and was overseen by Recruitment Team Six for the Northern Region, headed by Col. Opeero David.

According to IP Oloya Joe, the Aswa East Regional Police PRO, five individuals, Okurut David, Byaruhanga Alfred, Olanya Phillip, Kidega Richard, and Oryema John Bosco were found in possession of forged academic documents and were promptly handed over to Kitgum Central Police Station (CPS) where they were charged with forgery.

In a separate incident during the same exercise, three individuals , Torach Isaac, Okema Samuel, and Kitara Joel  were arrested for attempting to bribe recruitment officials with a total of UGX 900,000.

They were caught red-handed and also charged at CPS Kitgum. Both the forged documents and cash have been submitted as exhibits as investigations continue.

Despite the disruptions, the exercise concluded peacefully with 97 candidates successfully recruited 65 from Kitgum and 32 from Lamwo.

Meanwhile, in Masindi District, seven applicants were arrested on Tuesday at Masindi Stadium for presenting fake academic documents during a similar UPDF recruitment drive for professional and regular candidates.

Captain Kato Wilson Agaba, the Public Relations Officer for Recruitment Team Five in the Bunyoro Region, confirmed the arrests. The suspects, whose identities were not disclosed, were handed over to Masindi Central Police Station for further investigation.

Captain Kato also noted that about ten candidates lacked National Identification Cards and confirmation letters and were advised accordingly.

He confirmed that 115 candidates passed the initial screening out of a recruitment target of 111 for the district.

Patrick Asiimwe, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner for Masindi, condemned the fraudulent acts but emphasized the need to counsel and guide the youth on ethics and integrity.

He encouraged unsuccessful candidates to explore other opportunities, such as the Presidential Skilling Hub, noting that not all applicants can be absorbed into the UPDF due to number constraints.

All successful recruits from Masindi and surrounding areas will proceed to Kaweweta Military Basic Training School in Nakaseke District for a nine-month intensive training program.

Story filed by Robinson Onencan and Innocent Atuganyira

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