A 23-year-old man has died during a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) recruitment exercise in Apac District, northern Uganda.
The deceased, identified as Solomon Dono from Miciri B Cell in Ibuje Town Council, collapsed on Friday after completing a 4km fitness run at Apac Technical School — one of the requirements for prospective recruits.
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He was among three applicants who fainted during the drill. All were rushed to Apac Hospital, where Dono was pronounced dead on arrival. The other two later recovered after treatment.
Capt David Kamya, spokesperson for the UPDF 4th Division and Team 6 recruitment unit, confirmed the incident.
“We began with a 4km run as part of the physical fitness test. Unfortunately, on his way back, Dono collapsed and lost consciousness. UPDF medical staff gave him first aid, but he could not be saved,” Capt Kamya said, declining to comment on the cause of death.
Apac’s Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Richard Tabaaro, described the tragedy as “terrible” and offered condolences to the family.
“We have spoken to his father and will remain in contact with the family. It is deeply unfortunate, but he has understood the situation,” Mr Tabaaro said.
The deceased’s father, Alfred Ongol, said his son had appeared to be in good health before the recruitment.
“I was called by the RDC to come to the recruitment centre. When I arrived, he informed me of what had happened. I was shocked because my son had never shown any signs of illness,” Ongol told the BBC in a phone interview.
The body has been placed at Apac Hospital mortuary while the family makes burial arrangements.
The UPDF recruitment drive in Apac Municipality, running from 15–17 August, covers applicants from Apac, Kole, Kwania, and Oyam districts.
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