UPDF to Recruit 10,200 Soldiers Countrywide, Emphasising Science Backgrounds

Ugandan authorities plan to conduct a major nationwide recruitment into the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), targeting 10,200 new members between June and July 2026.

The initiative will give priority to applicants with Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) qualifications, particularly those strong in science subjects.

Lt Gen Jack Agonza Bakasumba, Chief of Joint Staff, revealed the details in a letter dated May 22, 2026, to the office of the president.

“The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces is scheduled to conduct a nationwide general recruitment of 10,200 personnel comprising holders of UCE and UACE with a bias in sciences,” Lt Gen Bakasumba stated.

He urged local leaders to rally eligible candidates and assist during the selection process at the centres.

“Pursuant to the above, this is to seek your indulgence to inform the Resident District Commissioners to mobilise the population in their respective areas to apply, as well as supporting the physical recruitment exercise at respective centres when due,” he added.

In response, the Office of the President issued a circular instructing Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Deputy RDCs, City Commissioners, and Deputy City Commissioners to lead mobilisation drives and ensure the guidelines are followed properly.

“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,” Secretary to the Office of the President Haji Yunus Kakande stated.

The circular, signed by Kakande, also assigned RDCs and District Security Committees the role of coordinating support for the physical recruitment activities.

“As Chairpersons of the District Security Committees, 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.

Regarding the timeline for the process, online applications will open from June 10 to June 24, 2026. Lists of shortlisted applicants will then be displayed on official notice boards and the UPDF website from July 1 to July 14. Physical recruitment is scheduled to start on July 20 at centres across the country.

Acting Director of Defence Public Information, has announced that the UPDF recruitment exercise will run from 20th July to 1st August 2026 across all districts, with shortlisted candidates -published on the UPDF website, the Uganda Media Centre confirmed on Friday, 05 June 2026.

Special arrangements have been made for the Kampala Metropolitan Area, which includes Kampala City and Wakiso District. Candidates from Kampala divisions will undergo interviews on designated dates at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. Areas such as Busiro North, Busiro South, Nansana Municipality, Makindye-Ssabagabo, and Kira Municipality will operate as standalone recruitment units, equivalent to districts.

To address past concerns about irregularities, UPDF has introduced stronger measures aimed at preventing corruption and ensuring transparency and accountability in this exercise.

You can see salaries of different UPDF ranks following salary increment Here.