The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has announced a fresh recruitment exercise targeting 600 Local Defence Personnel (LDP) across six districts in western Uganda, beginning on November 10, 2025.
In a press statement issued on November 4, Major General Felix M. Kulayigye, the UPDF Director of Defence Public Information, revealed that the exercise will cover the districts of Kabarole, Kamwenge, Bunyangabo, Kasese, Bundibugyo, and Ntoroko. He said the recruitment is part of the army’s continued effort to strengthen local security and community defence structures.
“The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) will conduct a recruitment exercise of 600 Local Defence Personnel in the districts of Kamwenge, Kabarole, Bunyangabo, Kasese, Bundibugyo, and Ntoroko. The actual recruitment exercise will commence on 10 November 2025,” the statement reads in part.
Major General Kulayigye explained that the UPDF is offering an opportunity for disciplined and patriotic Ugandans to serve their country and contribute to the safeguarding of peace and stability.
Eligible candidates must be Ugandan citizens with valid National Identity Cards and be medically and physically fit. Applicants are expected to be between 18 and 25 years of age and must possess a minimum education level of Senior Four (UCE) or its equivalent. All applicants are required to submit handwritten applications endorsed by local leaders, including LC I, LC II, and LC III chairpersons, as well as GISO or DISO officers.
Kulayigye emphasized that the recruitment is strictly for residents of the specified districts who are disciplined and have no criminal record. He warned that any falsification of documents will not be tolerated.
“Any presentation of forged documents is criminal, and culprits will be liable to prosecution,” he cautioned.
Applicants are required to appear in person at the designated recruitment centres in their respective districts, where they will undergo physical and medical interviews. Each applicant must present a handwritten application letter bearing recommendations from local leaders, a national identity card or NIN, and an O-Level academic certificate.
According to the UPDF schedule, the recruitment exercise will begin in Kabarole District at Boma Grounds on November 10, 2025, followed by Kamwenge District Headquarters on November 11. The team will proceed to Bunyangabo on November 12, Kasese on November 13, Bundibugyo on November 14, and Ntoroko on November 15, 2025. Each district will recruit 100 personnel.
Major General Kulayigye encouraged all eligible youth to take advantage of the opportunity to serve in the UPDF and begin careers rooted in patriotism, discipline, and national pride.
“The UPDF leadership calls upon all eligible candidates to take advantage of this opportunity to serve in the UPDF and wishes those who will succeed in this exercise good luck in their military careers, where patriotism, nationalism, and Pan-Africanism are the basis of our service to all,” Kulayigye said.
