The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has officially launched its 2026 General Recruitment Exercise, inviting qualified, disciplined and patriotic Ugandans to apply for both regular and professional positions in the force.
According to a press release issued by the Department of Defence Public Information and signed by Acting Director Defence Public Information Col. Chris Magezi, online applications will be accepted from June 10 to June 24, 2026 through the UPDF Recruitment Portal.
Successful candidates will be shortlisted between July 1 and July 14, while physical recruitment will take place nationwide from July 20 to August 1, 2026.
Applicants must be Ugandan citizens with valid National Identification Cards, be physically and medically fit, possess good character, and secure recommendations from local leaders and security officials.
The recruitment targets a wide range of categories, including general recruits, ICT specialists, engineers and logistics personnel, aviation professionals, health workers, legal practitioners, graduate teachers, sports personnel, social scientists, and musicians. Specific academic qualifications, age limits, and professional requirements apply to each category.
UPDF emphasized that the recruitment exercise is completely free of charge, warning the public against fraudsters and intermediaries. The army also noted that women with professional qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply and cautioned that presenting forged documents will result in arrest and prosecution.
The force said district recruitment quotas will be guided by the 2024 National Population and Housing Census and urged all eligible Ugandans to seize the opportunity to serve their country under the values of discipline, patriotism and Pan-Africanism.
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
