MAYUGE: NIRA Blamed over Disqualification of 59 Youths in UPDF Physical Recruitment Exercise

A total of 59 youths from Mayuge district on Tuesday 11th August 2026 failed to be recruited in the Uganda People’s Defense Forces due to mismatch of their names and age which was attributed to negligence by NIRA.

Mayuge Deputy RDC, Maria Lubega who witnessed the exercise at Kakindu Play ground in Jinja City castigated NIRA officials over negligence in execution of their duties which she said must change.

“The young men and women were so patriotic and loved to join the force but due to the mismatch in their names it led to their disqualification which is very unfortunate.” Said Lubega.

Mayuge District Chairperson, Zijja David however pledged to help those disqualified to have their credentials rectified for free and urged them to wait for next year’s recruitment exercise.

Mayuge district was given 126 slots however only 86 were successful 59 were disqualified mainly due to the mismatch in the names and age on the National Identity cards and health related issues.

Brig. Gaetano Emola the commandant of Magamaga Barracks who was head of the recruitment exercise commended the successful candidates who he said will undergo a 9-months training in UPDF schools like Kaweweta in Nakaseke district, Butyaba, Olilimu in Katakwi district and Labulwodong in Agago district.