Rukungiri- Several applicants in the ongoing Uganda People\’s Defense Forces recruitment exercise have failed to make it to the force. Over 200 applicants were rejected rejected in Rukungiri and Kanungu districts alone.
As early as 6am of Thursday 13th and Friday 14th , several youths from the 2 districts ( Rukungiri and Kanungu ) had already gathered at the DISO’s offices which are usually used as recruitment centers waiting to be vetted by the UPDF recruitment team led by Brig. Gen. James Kasule.
Out of the over 500 applicants who turned up for the exercise, only 223 were picked from the two districts.
Maj. Edward Birungi, the spokesperson of recruitment team (team 9) said majority of the applicants were disqualified at the initial stage due to ailments, skin diseases, flat feet, missing teeth and bearing tattoos, among other reasons.
‘’ Making an application and getting shortlisted does not qualify you to be a UPDF Personnel until your blood and other medical issues are tested and confirmed to be good and fit for the training’’ . Mr Birungi said.
The recruitment team spokesperson added that ‘’ we don’t only test blood but also physical fitness test, HIV screening, eyesight, Hepatitis B, Diabetes and Pregnancy among others’’
Maj. Birungi recruitment added that the recruitment targets both professionals and regular recruits and it was done in a phased manner.
‘’ Today’s recruitment exercise is a continuation of the recruitment process that began when the applicants were making online applications. After making applications, screening of applications and making of short list was done and later sent to the district for applicants to check themselves.’’ Maj.Birungi said.
Maj. Birungi added that ‘’ Today is the third phase of the recruitment process whereby we are physically looking at the applicants who shortlisted to join the army and we are taking through physical, medical examinations among others “.
The Rukungiri Resident district commissioner and head of the district security Mr Bron Kikanshemeza described it as very competitive due to the big turn up.
” This huge turn up by the youths wishing to join the UPDF is an indication that the people of Uganda love and trust their army. That’s why I can’t turn up for grant’’. Mr Kikanshemeza said.
He also advised the successful applicants to maintain good discipline if they benefit a lot from the army.
‘’ Good discipline costs nothing but it brings a lot in someone’s life. I therefore ask to keep good discipline. That’s when you go through the training successfully ’’. Mr Kikanshemeza added.
