UPDF Recruitment in Apac Turns Tragic with Death of Applicant

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) recruitment exercise in Apac District ended in tragedy on Friday when a 22-year-old applicant collapsed and died shortly after completing a mandatory physical fitness run.

The deceased, identified as Dono Solomon, was participating in a short-distance run, one of the compulsory stages of the recruitment process.

According to the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Apac, Mr Andrew Onyuk, Solomon collapsed after finishing the race and was immediately attended to by medical personnel on site. “He was rushed in an ambulance, which was following the runners, to a nearby hospital.

Unfortunately, upon arrival, he could not make it. This has been very unfortunate,” Mr Onyuk said, noting that a post-mortem examination is under way to determine the exact cause of death.

Mr Onyuk extended condolences to Solomon’s family and praised the recruitment team for their swift intervention.

He further reported that another applicant also collapsed during the initial run but was placed under medical care and stabilised.

Col David Opeero, head of the recruitment team, explained that the process consists of four stages: verification of shortlisted candidates, document checks, preliminary medical screening, and the run followed by a comprehensive medical examination. “In Apac, during the run, one of the participants collapsed. Despite prompt evacuation and first aid, he unfortunately passed away. The body is now at Apac Government Hospital. We have extended heartfelt condolences,” Col Opeero said.

Recruitment Outcomes
Despite the incident, the exercise continued, producing successful recruits in both Apac and Kwania districts.
In Apac District, out of 91 shortlisted applicants, 56 were successful—44 male regular recruits, 10 female regular recruits, and two male professionals.

In Kwania District, 38 out of 75 shortlisted applicants were successful, comprising 33 male regular recruits, three female regular recruits, and two professionals.