#UPDF recruitment 2026

Hundreds of shortlisted applicants gathered at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds as the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces concluded its physical recruitment exercise to fill 10,400 regular and professional vacancies nationwide.

Minister of Defence Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka has defended the 2026 UPDF nationwide recruitment exercise before Parliament, emphasizing that the military prioritizes national citizenship and local residency over tribal origins while promising an inquiry into reported enlistment anomalies in Pallisa District.

The UPDF has announced a nationwide recruitment exercise from July 20 to August 1, 2026, and warned applicants against paying money to individuals claiming to influence the process.