UPDF Announces Nationwide Recruitment Drive of Over 10,000 Soldiers

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has announced a nationwide recruitment exercise for 10,200 new personnel, with a strong emphasis on candidates who have studied science subjects and renewed measures aimed at eliminating corruption during the selection process.

According to the recruitment programme released through the Office of the President, the exercise will run between June and July 2026 and target holders of both the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE). Candidates with science backgrounds will be given priority as the army seeks to strengthen its technical and professional capacity.

The recruitment was requested by the Chief of Joint Staff, Lt Gen Jack Agonza Bakasumba, who called upon local leaders to mobilise eligible young people and support the exercise across the country. He said the UPDF intends to recruit 10,200 personnel from different regions of Uganda, with science-oriented applicants receiving special consideration.

Following the request, the Office of the President directed Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Deputy RDCs, City Commissioners and Deputy City Commissioners to spearhead mobilisation efforts and ensure that recruitment guidelines are followed. District Security Committees have also been tasked with coordinating activities at designated recruitment centres.

The recruitment process will begin with online applications scheduled from June 10 to June 24, 2026. Lists of shortlisted candidates will then be displayed on district and city notice boards as well as the UPDF website between July 1 and July 14. Physical recruitment and final interviews are expected to start on July 20 at designated centres across the country.

Officials say the phased approach is intended to improve transparency, strengthen coordination and reduce opportunities for malpractice. The recruitment drive comes amid previous public complaints about bribery, favouritism and irregularities during military recruitment exercises, concerns that prompted calls for tighter controls and greater oversight.

Special arrangements have also been made for the Kampala Metropolitan Area. Successful applicants from Kampala’s divisions will be interviewed at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on designated dates, while constituencies such as Busiro North, Busiro South, Nansana Municipality, Makindye-Ssabagabo and Kira Municipality will be treated as independent recruitment units.

The 2026 recruitment exercise is expected to attract large numbers of applicants following recent salary enhancements approved for lower-ranking soldiers. Under the revised pay structure, a private’s monthly salary will increase from Shs650,000 to Shs828,426, while corporals are expected to earn about Shs1 million per month.

UPDF officials are expected to provide additional details on the recruitment process during a briefing at the Uganda Media Centre.