The Uganda People’s Defence Forces is running a nationwide recruitment to bring 10,200 new soldiers into the army, with a special focus on professionals and skilled talent.
Acting UPDF spokesperson Col Chris Magezi announced the exercise at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala. It will run from 10 June to 24 June 2026, followed by a second phase of physical screening and verification for successful applicants starting on 20 July 2026.
Who can apply
UPDF is looking for Ugandans of all education levels, from those with a Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education up to master’s degree holders.
The army specifically needs specialists including medical doctors, pilot instructors, teachers, science teachers, engineers, ICT specialists, aviation professionals, pharmacists, lawyers, meteorologists, health workers, musicians, dancers and sports personnel.
You must be a Ugandan citizen and you must have a valid National ID. Without a National ID you will not be considered.
How to apply
You can submit your application in two ways. The first is online through the official UPDF recruitment portal.
The second is by submitting a physical application with help from your District Internal Security Officer and local leaders.
Col Magezi warned applicants to avoid fraudsters who claim to be recruitment agents. The only official channels are the UPDF portal and the DISO/local leader route.
Important rules to note
Only genuine academic documents will be accepted. “We do not expect anyone to use forged academic documents. Only genuine academic documents will be accepted,” Magezi said.
Presenting fake qualifications is a criminal offence, so applicants must comply with the law. After applications close on 24 June, those shortlisted will go for physical screening and document verification from 20 July.
