The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has announced a recruitment drive to enlist 600 Local Defence Personnel (LDP) across six districts in the Rwenzori region. This initiative aims to reinforce local security and improve rapid response capabilities along Uganda’s western border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to Major General Felix Kulayigye, Director of Defence Public Information, the recruitment exercise will run from November 10 to 15, 2025, covering Kabarole, Kamwenge, Bunyangabo, Kasese, Bundibugyo, and Ntoroko districts, with each district contributing 100 recruits. The UPDF encourages all eligible Ugandan youths to seize this opportunity to serve their country.
The recruitment comes shortly after security forces successfully repelled coordinated attacks in parts of the Rwenzori region, including Bundibugyo and Kasese, where armed groups targeted police and military posts. Strengthening Local Defence Units is seen as a key strategy in maintaining community safety and defending border areas.
The programme schedule is as follows: November 10 in Kabarole at Boma Grounds, November 11 in Kamwenge District Headquarters, November 12 in Bunyangabo District Headquarters, November 13 in Kasese District Headquarters, November 14 in Bundibugyo District Headquarters, and November 15 in Ntoroko District Headquarters.
Applicants must be Ugandan citizens aged 18–25 years, in good health, and possess a valid National ID. The minimum academic qualification is S.4 (UCE) or equivalent, and candidates must be residents of the district where they are applying. All applicants are required to submit handwritten applications endorsed by LC I, II, and III leaders, as well as the GISO or DISO, along with copies of their O-Level certificate and National ID. The UPDF has warned that submitting forged documents will lead to prosecution.
Successful candidates will undergo medical and physical fitness tests before joining a UPDF training school for basic military instruction. Major General Kulayigye highlighted that this recruitment is part of the UPDF’s long-standing principle of people-centered defence, offering youth a chance to contribute to national peace and security.
The Ministry of Defence urges communities to support the exercise and report any malpractice, assuring that the recruitment process will be conducted transparently and professionally.