news 10 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)

UPDF Recruitment: Unsuccessful Candidates Encouraged to Pursue Vocational Training

Officials in Adjumani District are advising youth who miss out on UPDF recruitment to pursue vocational skills, suggesting it can enhance their chances for future military opportunities and open doors to other employment. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/missed-updf-go-for-vocational-skills-adjumani-boss-advises-unsuccessful-candidates-5553028

Young Ugandans who did not make the cut in the ongoing Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) recruitment drive have been urged not to despair. Instead, they are encouraged to consider vocational training as a viable alternative path to securing employment and potentially joining the military in the future.

Adjumani District LC5 Chairperson, Mr. John Anyanzo Ambayo, made these remarks while addressing hopefuls at Paridi Stadium. He emphasized that acquiring practical, hands-on skills through vocational courses can significantly improve an individual’s employability in the general job market.

Furthermore, Mr. Ambayo highlighted that these technical competencies can also bolster an applicant’s prospects for specialized roles during subsequent UPDF recruitment exercises. “If you have not been selected in this process, please do not consider it the end. You can join a vocational course, acquire skills, and later join the forces,” he stated.

Colonel Gai Fraser Mpadwa, Deputy Commander of the UPDF 5th Infantry Division, who is overseeing the recruitment in the area, reassured the public about the fairness of the selection process. He affirmed that the UPDF is committed to a transparent and merit-based exercise, adhering to strict procedures including public advertisement, verification, shortlisting, and interviews.

The nationwide recruitment aims to enlist both professional and non-professional personnel. In Adjumani District, 119 shortlisted candidates are vying for 64 available slots.