Uganda Defence Minister defends UPDF recruitment process

Uganda’s Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, has defended the ongoing 2026 Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) recruitment process following allegations of irregularities raised by Members of Parliament.

Legislators expressed concerns regarding tribalism, citing instances where recruits from different tribes were registered in regions outside their own. Minister Kiwanuka clarified that the recruitment process is based on nationality and residence rather than tribe or religion, noting that applicants may register in an area if they can provide documentation proving residency.

Addressing a specific allegation from a Pallisa District MP, the Minister promised an investigation into a report that a recruit named ‘Osire’ was instructed to use a false name and was subsequently beaten and ejected from a recruitment center. Kiwanuka stated the ministry would establish the facts of the incident but questioned the integrity of a recruit willing to provide incorrect personal information.