Karenga DRDC Ongodia Urges Karamoja Youth To Participate In UPDF Recruitment Exercise 2026

By Kica Daniel 

Karenga District, Uganda – As the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) officially rolls out its 2026 general recruitment exercise, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Karenga District, Ronald Kedi Ongoida, has called upon the youth of Karamoja to take advantage of the opportunity and participate in the recruitment process.

Speaking to this publication, DRDC Ongoida encouraged eligible young people across the Karamoja sub-region to embrace the exercise, noting that serving in the UPDF offers an opportunity for personal development, national service, and career growth.

He emphasized that this year's recruitment process will largely be conducted online, making it easier for applicants across the country to submit their applications.

"The youth of Karamoja should seize this opportunity and apply in large numbers. The UPDF remains one of the most respected institutions in the country, offering professional training, employment opportunities, and a chance to contribute to national security," Mr. Ongoida said.

He also further cautioned against extorting of funds from the youth during the recruitment services. 

According to the UPDF recruitment guidelines, online applications will be accepted through the official recruitment portal, recruitment.updf.go.ug, from 10 June to 24 June 2026.

Applicants must be Ugandan citizens possessing valid National Identification Cards, be physically and medically fit, law-abiding, and recommended by local leaders within their communities.

The UPDF will publish the shortlist of successful applicants on its website and display it on City and District notice boards from 1 July to 14 July 2026. Physical recruitment and verification exercises in the respective districts will then be conducted between 20 July and 1 August 2026.

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:

General Recruits (UCE/UACE holders, aged 18–22).

- ICT Specialists (Masters, Degree, Diploma holders).

-Engineers and Logistics Experts (Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates – with 03 years’ experience).

-Aviation Professionals (Pilot Instructor, Pilots, Engineers, Controllers, Meteorologists).

-Health Workers (Specialists, Medical officers, Pharmacists, Nurses, Allied Health Workers).

-Legal Practitioners (Advocates with 5+ years’ practice).

Graduate Teachers possessing valid teacher’s registration certificates (Primary and Secondary).

-Sports Personnel (talented athletes).

Social Scientists (Bachelor’s degree holders in social sciences/psychology).

-Musicians (band and live performance specialists).