13 arrested as forgery disrupts UPDF recruitment in Jinja

AUGUST/11/2026/JINJA — Thirteen people have been arrested after allegedly using forged recruitment cards to gain entry into the ongoing Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) recruitment exercise in Jinja City.
The suspects were intercepted at Kakindu Stadium in Jinja South Division as officials screened applicants for recruitment.
Brig Gen Peter Gaitano Emola, the UPDF recruitment overseer for the Busoga region, said the suspects allegedly used forged cards carrying the names of genuine applicants who had not turned up for screening.
Officials discovered the alleged scheme while reading out the names of shortlisted applicants.
“We intercepted 13 people who attempted to infiltrate the recruitment exercise and join the group after screening,” Brig Gen Emola said.
He said the suspects allegedly took note of shortlisted candidates who were absent and later presented forged cards bearing their names in an attempt to gain access to the recruitment process.
The suspects include three women and 10 men. They have been handed over to police for questioning and further investigations.
The arrests occurred as the recruitment exercise continued in Jinja, where 126 applicants from Jinja City and Jinja District were successfully recruited on the first day.
Capt Ibrahim Kasule Ssekitto, spokesperson for the recruitment exercise, said the selection was being conducted on merit and that the exercise was proceeding smoothly.
He urged shortlisted applicants to follow the recruitment guidelines and warned against forgery.
“Those who engage in forgery will be arrested,” he said.
The UPDF recruitment exercise is expected to conclude on August 19 in Buyende District.