government 15 July 2026 State House (Uganda)
Uganda Considers UPDF Recruitment for Skilled Returnees from South Africa
The Ugandan government is exploring options to recruit skilled Ugandans recently repatriated from South Africa into the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). This initiative aims to reintegrate these individuals and leverage their expertise for national development. Source: https://statehouse.go.ug/government-considers-updf-recruitment-for-skilled-ugandans-repatriated-from-south-africa
The Ugandan government is considering incorporating skilled Ugandans who have returned from South Africa into the ranks of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development, Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde, indicated that discussions would be held with the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, regarding the potential recruitment of qualified returnees eager to serve in the military.
Lt. Gen. Tumukunde shared these remarks while addressing over 1,000 returnees undergoing rehabilitation at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi. Many expressed interest in joining the UPDF, citing professional experience in fields such as driving, forensic investigations, and machine operation.
“We have many of them who are drivers, and I think the army wouldn’t mind having professional drivers. We shall discuss with General Muhoozi Kainerugaba… to see whether we can absorb some of them directly because they are very skilled,” Lt. Gen. Tumukunde stated. He highlighted their previous work in specialized occupations in South Africa as a valuable asset for Uganda.
The group includes individuals with diverse skills like plumbing, refrigeration, dog handling, and machine operation. The minister expressed satisfaction with the returnees’ discipline, resilience, and skills, noting they are capable of contributing significantly to Uganda’s socio-economic progress.
Apart from potential UPDF roles, the government plans to connect these skilled individuals with opportunities to train others, establish businesses through existing empowerment programmes like GROW, the Youth Livelihood Programme, and Emyooga, and form a pool of skilled workers accessible to Ugandans.
Lt. Gen. Tumukunde also cautioned the returnees against lawlessness, emphasizing the importance of becoming law-abiding citizens as they reintegrate. The government remains committed to welcoming and supporting all Ugandans who choose to return.
The ongoing orientation program at NALI, which includes children, is designed to facilitate reintegration and connect returnees with employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. The program is set to conclude with a pass-out ceremony presided over by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.