Unemployment or patriotism; driving thousands to join UPDF

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Robert Weere, a first class degree holder in Industrial chemistry is among the thousands of enthusiastic people seeking recruitment into the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) at the ongoing recruitment exercise at Kololo Airstrip.

Uganda Radio Network – URN met the Weere who graduated on November 16th this year from Kampala International University at the recruitment grounds armed with his papers ready to go through the screening exercise.

UPDF kick started its 10-day country wide recruitment exercise. The exercise is happening at Kololo, Kotido, Lyantonde, Arua and Hoima. The Kololo Airstrip center is recruiting candidates from Kampala.

According to Lt. Col Henry Obbo, the spokesperson of the Lands Forces, UPDF is scheduled to recruit 4,000 people in the country wide exercise which will end on January 5th, 2020. Those seeking to be recruited are required to be Ugandans aged between 18 and 25 years (regular recruits), while professional recruits are required to be between 18 and 30 years.

Regular recruits are required to have Senior Four and Senior Six Certificates with a bias in science subjects while professionals possess diplomas and degrees in chemistry, software engineering, medicine, mechanical engineering and other courses.

Speaking to URN why he sought recruitment into the army as first priority, Weere said that he was passionate about serving his country as a security personnel also noting that it was one of the lessons he picked from one of his trainers at Patriotism Club while studying at Kiira College Butiki.

Weere is a second born in a family with seven children and says that both his parents are in support of him joining the army. He scored 7 points in his Primary Leaving Examination (PLE), 18 points in Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) and 9 points at Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) with a bias in sciences.

He said that joining UPDF is a good opportunity for him since sacrifice is success while serving is a commitment. He said that the recruitment also came at the right time since he has all his papers in place, physically fit and ready to go through the screening exercise.

The other people seeking recruitment also told URN that the army is an opportunity for them to serve and also get a place to earn. One of these was Shamim Sobya, a graduate in Science Technology, Chemistry from Kyambogo University.

Martha Nakato, a diploma holder in Science Laboratory Technology (Physics) from Bugema University said that she was desperate to serve the country and that this is the reason she turned up for the recruitment exercise.

Alex Munyolete, a diploma holder in Veterinary Medicine said that he decided to turn up for recruitment so that he contributes to maintaining peace in the country. He also said that the love for his country pushed his participation in the recruitment exercise.

Jahad Buuya, a 25 year old graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Mining engineering said that his father was an army officer and that this is the major reason he seeks to join the army so that he goes through the ranks.

Johnson Aturekireho, a diploma holder in Agriculture said that he wants to serve his country since he has the love and energy to do so.

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URN