The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has announced a nationwide recruitment exercise for 10,200 personnel with the process set to run between June and July 2026.
The recruitment programme was communicated through a circular issued by the Office of the President following a formal request from the Chief of Joint Staff, Lt Gen Jack Agonza Bakasumba, who said the exercise will target holders of Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE), with preference given to candidates with science backgrounds.
“The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces is scheduled to conduct a nationwide general recruitment of 10,200 personnel comprising holders of UCE and UACE with a bias in sciences,” Lt Gen Bakasumba stated in a letter dated May 22, 2026.
He appealed for support from local government leaders to mobilise eligible applicants and facilitate the recruitment exercise.
“Pursuant to the above, this is to seek your indulgence to inform the Resident District Commissioners to mobilise the population in their respective areas to apply, as well as supporting the physical recruitment exercise at respective centres when due,” he added.
Following the request, the Office of the President directed all Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Deputy RDCs, City Commissioners, and Deputy City Commissioners to spearhead mobilisation efforts and oversee implementation of the recruitment guidelines.
In a circular signed by the Secretary to the Office of the President Haji Yunus Kakande, district leaders were instructed to encourage eligible youth to participate in the exercise.
“All Resident District Commissioners/City Commissioners and Deputy Resident District Commissioners/Deputy City Commissioners are required to mobilise the eligible population in their respective jurisdictions to apply for recruitment in accordance with the prescribed UPDF recruitment guidelines and requirements,” Mr Kakande stated.
He further tasked District Security Committees with coordinating and supporting recruitment activities at designated centres.
“As Chairpersons of the District Security Committees, you are required to coordinate and provide the necessary support towards the conduct of the physical recruitment exercise at the designated recruitment centres within your areas of jurisdiction,” he added.
According to the recruitment roadmap, online applications will run from June 10 to June 24, 2026. District and city authorities will then upload and display lists of shortlisted candidates on official notice boards and the UPDF website between July 1 and July 14.
The physical recruitment exercise is scheduled to commence on July 20 at designated recruitment centres across the country, where successful candidates will undergo final selection procedures.
Officials say the phased process is intended to enhance transparency, improve coordination and ensure wider national participation.
The Directorate of Defence Public Information (DDPI) confirmed that a detailed briefing on the recruitment exercise would be issued at the Uganda Media Centre.
In a departure from previous recruitment exercises, the Kampala Metropolitan Area, comprising Kampala City and Wakiso District, will receive special consideration. Successful applicants from each division of Kampala City will be interviewed on specific dates at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
Similarly, constituencies including Busiro North, Busiro South, Nansana Municipality, Makindye-Ssabagabo and Kira Municipality will be treated as independent recruitment units and accorded the same status as districts during the selection process.
The latest recruitment comes against the backdrop of past complaints of corruption, favouritism and irregularities that prompted calls from legislators and members of the public for investigations and repeat exercises in some areas.
UPDF officials say new safeguards have been introduced to curb corruption and strengthen accountability throughout the recruitment process.
The exercise is expected to attract a large number of applicants, partly due to recent salary enhancements for lower-ranking soldiers approved by Parliament.
Under the revised salary structure, a Private is expected to earn Shs828,426 per month, up from Shs650,000, while a Corporal will earn about Shs1 million monthly.
The improved remuneration means that some entry-level soldiers will earn more than many graduate employees in the public service, making military service increasingly attractive to young Ugandans seeking employment opportunities.
However, the salary enhancements are also expected to increase the army’s wage bill to more than Shs1 trillion in the 2026/2027 financial year, adding pressure on government expenditure at a time when the economy is facing fiscal constraints and reduced donor support.
Salary Increment in the proposed pay rise
A private will earn Shs828,426 from the current pay of Shs650,000
A lance Corporal will earn Shs1.03m from Shs825000
A corporal will earn Shs1.2m
A sergeant will be earning from Shs900,000 to Shs1.3m
A staff sergeant will earn Shs1.59m
Warrant officer class 2 will earn Shs1.85m
Warrant officer class 1 will get Shs2.09m