Shock in Apac as 23-Year-Old Collapses and Dies After 4km UPDF Recruitment Drill

A 23-year-old man died on Friday, August 15, 2025, during the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) recruitment exercise in Apac District.

The deceased, identified as Solomon Dono, was a resident of Miciri B Cell in Aberidwogo Ward, Ibuje Town Council. He collapsed shortly after finishing a 4-kilometer run at Apac Technical School. The run was part of the physical fitness test for new applicants.

According to officials, Dono was not the only one affected. Two other candidates also fainted during the drill but were treated and later recovered. Dono was rushed to Apac Hospital together with them, but doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.

Captain David Kamya, the UPDF 4th Division spokesperson, confirmed the incident. He explained that medical teams tried to save Dono’s life with first aid, but their efforts were unsuccessful.

Apac Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Mr. Richard Tabaaro, described the event as very unfortunate and expressed sympathy to the bereaved family. “We have spoken to the father of the deceased and will continue giving the family support,” he said.

Dono’s father, Mr. Alfred Ongol, said his son had been healthy and showed no signs of sickness before joining the exercise. “The RDC called me and asked me to come quickly. When I arrived, I was told the sad news. I was shocked,” he said.

The body of the deceased is currently at Apac Hospital Mortuary, awaiting burial arrangements.

The UPDF recruitment exercise in Apac Municipality is scheduled to run from August 15 to 17, and it covers the districts of Apac, Kole, Kwania, and Oyam.