Bushenyi, Uganda – Authorities have apprehended a suspect for attempting to participate in the ongoing Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) recruitment exercise in Bushenyi without being officially shortlisted.
The suspect, identified as Kakuru Obed, 23, a resident of Kirugu 2B village, Kikumbo Parish, Kirugu Sub-county in Rubirizi District, was arrested by Team Nine during the screening process.
As of this report, Kakuru remains in military custody as investigations continue, pending his imminent transfer to the Uganda Police Force for further legal action and possible prosecution.
Major Kiconco Tabaro, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) 2nd Infantry Division Public Information Officer, reiterated that unauthorized individuals attempting to infiltrate the exercise will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Tabaro issued a stern warning against any attempts to bypass official recruitment procedures, emphasizing that only candidates whose names appear on the official shortlist are eligible to participate.
The recruitment exercise continues across different regions, with the next phase scheduled for 12th to 15th August 2025 at Kakyeka Stadium in Mbarara.
The UPDF expects to select 1,447 recruits from the greater Ankole and Kigezi regions during this phase.
The force has strongly advised all prospective candidates to strictly adhere to official recruitment guidelines, warning that violations could lead to legal consequences.
The army reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent and fair recruitment process in line with established protocols.