The sight of young men and women lining up at district headquarters across the country this week is more than just a recruitment exercise. It is a living picture of Uganda itself.
The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) is currently conducting a nationwide recruitment of both skilled and unskilled Ugandans who wish to join the force. From Arua to Moroto, from Kabale to Gulu, and here in Kampala at the district and city division levels, the process is underway.
And as I watched the exercise in Kawempe Division, one thing stood out clearly: this recruitment signifies the true national character of the UPDF.
1. A NATIONAL ARMY FOR A NATIONAL PEOPLE
The UPDF is not a regional army. It is not a tribal army. It is the army of all Ugandans.
That is why the recruitment is deliberately decentralized to take place at the district level countrywide. The intention is simple: give every Ugandan, regardless of where they were born, an equal opportunity to serve their country.
In Kawempe , I met applicants from Karamoja, from West Nile, from Busoga, from Ankole, and from right here in Buganda. They were all queuing together, sweating under the same sun, and filling the same forms.
That is national character.
When a son of Katale Zone and a daughter of Kotido can both aspire to wear the same uniform and defend the same flag, then we know that Uganda is one.
Article 208 of the Constitution mandates the UPDF to be national in character, patriotic, professional, and subordinate to civilian authority. This recruitment exercise is the practical expression of that constitutional command.
2. TRANSPARENCY AND OVERSIGHT: LED BY CIVIL AUTHORITY
To ensure fairness, credibility, and patriotism, this exercise is being scrutinized by District Internal Security Officers (DISOs) and Resident City/District Commissioners (RCCs/RDCs).
As the Deputy RCC Kawempe, I am on the ground with the DISO and other security organs to ensure that the process is free from bribery, tribalism, and manipulation.
Why is civilian oversight important? Because the UPDF is a people’s army. It must reflect the will and values of the people. The involvement of RDCs/RCCs and DISOs guarantees that recruitment is based on merit, medical fitness, and patriotism — not on who you know or where you come from.
We are checking academic documents, verifying ages, and ensuring that no underage Ugandan is enlisted. We are also ensuring that women, persons with disabilities, and skilled Ugandans are given their rightful place.
This is not a secret exercise. It is a public, accountable process. That is the mark of a professional and national force.
3. OPPORTUNITY FOR BOTH SKILLED AND UNSKILLED YOUTH
Another key aspect of this recruitment is that the UPDF is opening its doors to both skilled and unskilled Ugandans.
To the unskilled youth: this is your chance. Join, get trained, get disciplined, and serve. The army will equip you with skills in engineering, mechanics, health, logistics, and leadership. Many of our senior officers today started as ordinary recruits.
To the skilled Ugandans: doctors, nurses, engineers, drivers, mechanics, IT specialists, teachers — the UPDF needs you. Modern warfare and modern peacekeeping demand expertise. Uganda needs professionals who can serve in uniform and bring their skills to build a stronger force.
This dual approach ensures that the UPDF remains combat-ready while also becoming a center for skills development and national service.
4. BEYOND A JOB: A CALL TO PATRIOTISM
Let us be honest. Many of our youth are looking for employment. And yes, joining the UPDF is a job. It comes with pay, healthcare, housing, and a pension.
But it is more than a job. It is a calling.
It is a calling to defend the sovereignty of Uganda.
It is a calling to protect our mothers in the market, our children in school, and our borders from any threat.
It is a calling to be part of a force that has brought peace to Uganda and contributed to peace in Somalia, South Sudan, and the DRC.
When you wear that uniform, you are no longer just “from Kawempe” or “from Mbale”. You become Ugandan first. That is the essence of national character.
5. THE MESSAGE TO UGANDANS
To the parents: encourage your children who are qualified to apply. This is honorable service.
To the youth: come with the right documents. Come with discipline. Come with a clean heart. Do not pay any bribe. The process is free.
To the leaders: let us mobilize fairly and stop favoritism. Every district, every sub-county deserves representation in the UPDF.
And to those who will not make it this time: do not despair. Continue training, acquire skills, and wait for the next opportunity. The nation still needs you in other sectors.
As I left the recruitment center at kololo tlon Friday, I was filled with pride. I saw the future officers of Uganda. Tall and short. From different tribes. Speaking different languages. But united by one dream: to serve Uganda.
That is what the UPDF recruitment exercise signifies.
It signifies that Uganda is united in diversity.
It signifies that national security is a shared responsibility.
It signifies that the UPDF remains a people’s army, by the people, and for the people.
Under the leadership of H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief, the UPDF will continue to be professional, patriotic, and national in character.
To all applicants: All the best. Serve well. Make Uganda proud.
KAGENYI LUKKA
DEPUTY RESIDENT CITY COMMISSIONER
KAMPALA CITY – KAWEMPE DIVISION
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