Man Arrested Over Shs1m Bribe Attempt in UPDF Recruitment

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Man Arrested Over Shs1m Bribe Attempt in UPDF Recruitment

A 24-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly attempting to bribe a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) recruitment team leader with Shs1 million to secure a place in the army despite not being shortlisted for recruitment. The incident happened on Monday during the ongoing UPDF recruitment exercise at Kyenjojo District headquarters.

Major Stephen Tumwesigye, the Mountain Division Public Information Officer, identified the suspect as Keneth Ampurire, a resident of Kyakwezi Village in Ruyonza Sub-county, Kyegegwa District. Tumwesigye said Ampurire allegedly offered Shs1 million to Brigadier General David Opeero, the Rwenzori recruitment team leader, in exchange for being considered for recruitment.

According to Tumwesigye, Ampurire had repeatedly contacted Opeero, claiming that he had money and wanted to be given an opportunity to join the army despite not appearing on the recruitment shortlist. He said Opeero rejected the requests, but Ampurire allegedly persisted, prompting the recruitment team to alert police.

Ampurire was later arrested after allegedly delivering Shs500,000 as the first instalment of the proposed bribe. The remaining Shs500,000 was reportedly to be paid after he successfully qualified for recruitment. He is currently being held at Kyenjojo Central Police Station as investigations continue. Tumwesigye said the incident had not disrupted the ongoing recruitment exercise in the Rwenzori region, which he said was progressing