Colonel Deo Akiiki Asiimwe, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) deputy spokesperson, has said the army is currently conducting a recruitment drive, and aspiring candidates must be aware of the critical factors that can lead to their elimination from the process.
According to Col. Akiiki, UPDF is seeking to maintain a robust and capable force; therefore, it is essential for applicants to understand the areas that are being closely scrutinized.
Col. Akiiki highlights some factors that hinder recruitment for some candidates, and the primary factor for candidate elimination during the UPDF recruitment is medical fitness.
He noted that UPDF places a strong emphasis on the physical and mental well-being of its personnel, and any medical conditions that may hinder an individual’s ability to serve effectively are closely examined.
Col. Akiiki stated that the common medical issues that have been identified as disqualifying factors include hernias, HIV, hepatitis B, hemorrhoids, and varicose veins. He further stated that the lack of genuine academic documents is another crucial factor that can lead to a candidate’s elimination.
The UPDF requires applicants to provide verifiable educational credentials, and any discrepancies or irregularities in these documents can result in immediate disqualification.
“Applicants are advised to ensure that their academic records are authentic and up-to-date,” Col. Akiiki noted.
He added that UPDF also has strict age requirements for its recruitment process; candidates who are found to be over the age specified for the position they are applying for are likely to be eliminated from the selection process.
Akiiki noted that aspiring UPDF members must carefully review the age criteria for the specific role they are interested in and ensure that they meet the necessary requirements.
He further stated that to navigate the UPDF recruitment process, aspiring UPDF candidates must be diligent in preparing for the recruitment process.
“Ensuring medical fitness, providing genuine academic documents, and meeting age requirements are crucial steps in increasing the chances of successful selection,” Akiiki said.
According to Akiiki, by understanding and addressing these key factors, applicants can position themselves for a smoother journey through the UPDF recruitment process.
