UPDF Announces June–July Recruitment Dates for Over 10,000 Soldiers

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has announced a nationwide recruitment exercise targeting 10,200 personnel, set to take place between June and July 2026 across all districts in the country.

The announcement was issued through a circular from the Office of the President, following a formal request by the Chief of Joint Staff, Lt Gen Jack Agonza Bakasumba. The recruitment will target Ugandans who hold the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE), with a particular emphasis on candidates with science subjects.

In his communication dated May 22, 2026, Lt Gen Bakasumba said the exercise is intended to strengthen the force while promoting fairness and equal opportunity in all regions.

He noted that the recruitment will involve eligible young Ugandans drawn from across the country and urged local leaders to actively mobilize qualified applicants to participate in the process at designated recruitment centres.

Following the request, the Office of the President directed Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Deputy RDCs, City Commissioners, and Deputy City Commissioners to coordinate mobilization efforts and oversee the implementation of recruitment guidelines in their areas of jurisdiction.

District Security Committees have also been tasked with supporting the exercise by ensuring smooth coordination and logistical arrangements during the physical recruitment phase.

According to the recruitment roadmap, online applications will run from June 10 to June 24, 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be published between July 1 and July 14 on district notice boards and the official UPDF website.

The physical recruitment exercise is scheduled to begin on July 20, 2026, and will run until August 1, 2026, across all districts nationwide.

The Directorate of Defence Public Information (DDPI) said a detailed briefing on the exercise will be released at the Uganda Media Centre ahead of the rollout.

In Kampala Metropolitan Area, including Kampala City and Wakiso District, special arrangements will apply. Successful applicants from Kampala divisions will be interviewed at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, while constituencies such as Busiro North, Busiro South, Nansana Municipality, Makindye-Ssabagabo, and Kira Municipality will be treated as separate recruitment units.

The recruitment drive comes at a time when the government has implemented salary enhancements for UPDF personnel, a move expected to attract increased interest from applicants.

Under the revised pay structure, a Private will earn Shs828,426, up from Shs650,000, while a Lance Corporal will earn Shs1.03 million, up from Shs825,000. A Corporal will receive Shs1.2 million, while a Sergeant will earn between Shs900,000 and Shs1.3 million. A Staff Sergeant will earn Shs1.59 million, Warrant Officer Class II will earn Shs1.85 million, and Warrant Officer Class I will earn Shs2.09 million.

Officials say the improved salary structure is expected to significantly boost interest in military service among young Ugandans seeking stable employment opportunities. However, the adjustments are also projected to increase the UPDF wage bill to over Shs1 trillion in the 2026/2027 financial year, raising concerns over fiscal pressure on government spending.

UPDF officials have also indicated that new safeguards have been introduced to address past concerns related to corruption, favouritism, and irregularities in recruitment processes. They say the updated system will promote merit-based selection and improve transparency and accountability.

The recruitment exercise is expected to attract thousands of applicants nationwide, with authorities urging eligible youth to prepare early and strictly follow official application guidelines.