Uganda People’s Defence Forces leadership and recruitment

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has undergone leadership changes and faced scrutiny regarding its recruitment procedures.

In early August, Colonel Winston Mugarura was appointed Deputy Commander of the 3 Infantry Division in Moroto, succeeding Brigadier General Allan Kyangungu. Additionally, Brigadier General Asaph Nyakikuru was promoted to acting Major General and named Acting Commander of the Special Forces Command (SFC), taking over from Major General David Mugisha.

By late August, the UPDF recruitment process came under parliamentary scrutiny. Legislators raised allegations of tribalism, claiming recruits were being registered in regions outside their own tribes. Defence Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka defended the process, stating that registration is based on nationality and residency rather than tribe or religion. The Minister also pledged to investigate reports of a recruit being beaten and ejected after allegedly providing false information.

In late August, the UPDF concluded its nationwide recruitment exercise, with final verification held at the Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala. The drive sought to fill 10,400 vacancies for regular recruits and professionals created by retirements and completed service terms. Candidates were required to be Ugandan citizens aged 18 to 22 with specific educational qualifications.

Concurrently, the 18th edition of the Interforces Games began in Gulu City. Under the theme ‘Building Synergy Through Sports,’ the event involves personnel from the UPDF, Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Service, and the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka stated the competition aims to promote unity, teamwork, and strengthen cooperation among different national security mandates.