UPDF GENERAL RECRUITMENT EXERCISE 2026

Kampala, Uganda – June 04, 2026– The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) is pleased to announce the commencement of the General Recruitment Exercise 2026, inviting qualified, disciplined, and patriotic Ugandan citizens to serve their country in both regular and professional capacities.

Online applications via recruitment.updf.go.ug will be accepted from 10–24 June 2026. Applicants must be Ugandan citizens with valid National IDs, physically and medically fit, law abiding, and recommended by local leaders.

The shortlist of successful candidates will be published on the UPDF website and displayed at all City and District notice boards between 01–14 July 2026, while physical recruitment in the respective districts will take place from 20 July to 01 August 2026. District recruitment quotas will be determined by the Uganda National Population and Housing Census 2024.

Targeted categories:

1. 1. General Recruits (UCE/UACE holders, aged 18–22).
   2. ICT Specialists (Masters, Degree, Diploma holders).
   3. Engineers and Logistics Experts (Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates – with 03 years’ experience).
   4. Aviation Professionals (Pilot Instructor, Pilots, Engineers, Controllers, Meteorologists).
   5. Health Workers (Specialists, Medical officers, Pharmacists, Nurses, Allied Health Workers).
   6. Legal Practitioners (Advocates with 5+ years’ practice).
   7. Graduate Teachers possessing valid teacher’s registration certificates (Primary and Secondary).
   8. Sports Personnel (talented athletes).
   9. Social Scientists (Bachelor’s degree holders in social sciences/psychology).
   10. Musicians (band and live performance specialists).

Important Notice

• • Recruitment is free of charge – no agents or intermediaries are involved. Report fraudsters.
  • Females with professional qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • Forged or falsified documents will lead to arrest and prosecution.
  • For detailed requirements and application guidelines, applicants are advised to visit the official UPDF website https://www.updf.go.ug or refer to the New Vision Newspaper of 05 June 2026.

The UPDF calls upon all eligible Ugandans to seize this opportunity to serve their nation. This exercise reflects the enduring values of Discipline, Patriotism, and Pan‑Africanism.