The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) has started the recruitment of 187 candidates from the five districts in Acholi sub-region.

The two-day exercise is happening at Pece War Memorial Stadium in Gulu City.

Speaking to the Nile Post, Captain Ahmed Hassan Kato, the Fourth Division Infantry spokesperson, said only those who were shortlisted will be considered.

"The exercise started early, we vetted their academic credentials, national identification, there after a body physical medical checkup," Capt Kato said.

"We later took them on a 2-km run in the stadium to examine their physical fitness."

UPDF Recruitment Team Six is recruiting from the districts of Gulu District, Omoro District , Nwoya District, Amuru District and Gulu City.

An overwhelming number of applicants even those over the age limit (18-22) and those lacking the necessary O-Level documents were seen flooding the entrance of the Pece stadium ahead of the recruitment exercise.

Gulu Resident City Commissioner, Jane Frances Amongin, says as the nation is gearing up for the general 2026 elections, this exercise is crucial to the security and safety of the citizens.

"Going towards elections, we are always prepared as a government and knowing what UPDF does, we should be rest assured that there will be security and the elections will be peaceful," Ms Amongin said.

The recruitment exercise ends on July 14 as per the UPDF schedule.

It is projected that about 9,000 youth between 18-22 will be recruited from all the districts of the country.