Gov't Announces Nationwide UPDF Recruitment of 10,200 Personnel for FY 2026/27

The Government has announced a nationwide recruitment exercise for the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), targeting 10,200 personnel in the Financial Year 2026/2027, in a phased process scheduled to run from May to July 2026. The development has been communicated through a circular issued by the Office of the President following a formal request from the Chief of Joint Staff of the UPDF, Jack Agonza Bakasumba, dated May 22, 2026.

In his communication, Lt Gen Bakasumba confirmed that the force will conduct a nationwide recruitment exercise targeting eligible Ugandans across districts. “The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces is scheduled to conduct a nationwide general recruitment of 10,200 (Ten Thousand Two Hundred) personnel comprising holders of UCE and UACE with a bias in sciences,” Lt Gen Jack Agonza Bakasumba stated in his letter.

He further highlighted the need for administrative coordination and mobilisation support from local government structures. “Pursuant to the above, this is to seek your indulgence to inform the Resident District Commissioners to mobilize the population in their respective areas to apply, as well as supporting the physical recruitment exercise at respective centres when due,” he added.

The Office of the President has since forwarded the directive to all Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and Deputy RDCs countrywide through a circular signed by the Secretary, Office of the President, Haji Yunus Kakande. In the circular, Haji Kakande instructed RDCs and City Commissioners to lead mobilisation efforts and ensure compliance with recruitment guidelines.

“All Resident District Commissioners/City Commissioners and Deputy Resident District Commissioners/Deputy City Commissioners are required to mobilise the eligible population in their respective jurisdictions to apply for recruitment in accordance with the prescribed UPDF recruitment guidelines and requirements,” Haji Kakande Yunus stated.

He also emphasised the supervisory role of District Security Committees during the exercise.

“As Chairpersons of the District Security Committees (DSCs), you are required to coordinate and provide the necessary support towards the conduct of the physical recruitment exercise at the designated recruitment centres within your areas of jurisdiction,” he added.

According to the recruitment roadmap, the exercise commenced with advertisements and mobilisation activities from May 28 to June 3, 2026.

Online applications will run from June 10 to June 24, 2026, targeting applicants with UCE and UACE qualifications, particularly those with a science background. Between July 1 and July 14, 2026, district and city authorities will upload and display lists of shortlisted candidates on official notice boards and the UPDF website, with feedback channels available to applicants.

The physical recruitment exercise is expected to begin on July 20, 2026, at designated recruitment centres across the country, where recruitment teams will conduct final selection activities. Authorities say the structured timeline is intended to enhance transparency, coordination, and nationwide participation in the recruitment process.

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