The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has ended its latest recruitment drive in Kasese District with numbers falling short of expectations, prompting questions over local mobilisation and information-sharing efforts.
The army had planned to enlist 209 recruits from the district. However, when the extended exercise concluded on Thursday afternoon, only 163 candidates had been taken on—151 men and just 12 women.
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Col Richard Kitatta Sseguya, the Mountain Division’s Operations and Training Officer, confirmed the shortfall after the final screening session, though he did not detail the reasons. The new recruits are expected to report to Kaweweta Military Training School in Nakaseke District between Friday and Saturday for basic training.
“You will cater for your own transport to the training ground. Once there, maintain discipline and show loyalty to your commanders,” Col Kitatta told the group.
Kasese Resident District Commissioner, Lt Joe Walusimbi, urged the recruits to embrace patriotism and integrity in their service. “Your role in defending Uganda will be crucial. As the President has often stressed, corruption must be fought by all means—you are now part of that struggle,” he said.
Some residents blamed the low turnout on inadequate publicity by local leaders, claiming many eligible young people were unaware of the recruitment dates and requirements.
The Kasese drive was part of the UPDF’s regular recruitment programme to strengthen its ranks with disciplined personnel. The shortfall, however, has highlighted the need for better grassroots engagement and timely communication to boost participation in future exercises.
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