The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has released the list of applicants who successfully passed the online application stage of the 2026 nationwide recruitment exercise.
The shortlisted candidates come from districts across the country and include applicants for both the regular forces and specialised professional positions.
If your name appears on the shortlist, the next step is to attend the physical recruitment exercise, which will be conducted in your respective district between 20 July and 1 August 2026. Candidates are expected to report on the dates communicated for their districts, where they will undergo the next stage of the selection process.
The 2026 recruitment drive seeks to enlist both ordinary recruits and professionals with specialised skills to strengthen different sections of the UPDF. The force is recruiting qualified personnel in fields such as education, healthcare, aviation, engineering, law, sports, music and other specialised professions, alongside recruits joining the regular military service.
According to the UPDF, the exercise is intended to boost the force’s operational, technical, medical, legal and administrative capacity while creating career opportunities for eligible Ugandans who wish to serve in the military.
Applicants are encouraged to confirm whether they have been shortlisted before preparing for the physical recruitment exercise. Those whose names appear on the list should ensure they report to the designated recruitment centres in their districts on the scheduled dates with all the required documents and meet the recruitment requirements communicated by the UPDF.
Check the full shortlist below to see whether you have been selected to proceed to the next stage of the 2026 UPDF recruitment exercise.








