In a departure from the typically cautious stance, the Forum for Democratic Change (Forum for Democratic Change) has called on eligible Ugandan youths, including its supporters, to take part in the ongoing Uganda People’s Defence Forces recruitment exercise, saying national service should be embraced by all citizens regardless of political affiliation.
Addressing journalists on Monday, FDC Deputy Secretary for Publicity Ibrahim Kasozi Biribawa said the party supports the recruitment exercise announced by the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs and encouraged qualified young people to apply.
“As a democratic and national political organization committed to the development and stability of Uganda, the Forum for Democratic Change recognizes the importance of citizens participating in all lawful national institutions,” Kasozi said.
The recruitment exercise, which seeks to enlist about 10,000 personnel, was announced by the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, Col Chris Magezi, as the army moves to replenish its ranks and strengthen staffing across key formations.
Kasozi anchored the party’s position on Article 208 of the Constitution, which establishes the Uganda People’s Defence Forces as a national, non-partisan and professional force under civilian authority.
“Therefore, it is against that background that the Forum for Democratic Change respectfully call upon all able men and women who meet the official qualifications to be considered in the national service,” he said.
He emphasized that participation in the exercise is voluntary and should be based on informed consent.
“We affirm the right of every citizen to engage in public life through peaceful, democratic channels,” he added, urging applicants to seek accurate information before taking part.
In a notable shift from the typically cautious stance of opposition parties on security matters, the FDC also directed its structures across the country to help mobilize eligible youths.
“Our structure leaders in the districts and sub-counties across the country should mobilize and identify qualifying youths to go in numbers to apply and be part of the force,” Kasozi said.
The party argued that national institutions are strengthened when they reflect the diversity, talent, and commitment of Ugandans across the political spectrum.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (Uganda People’s Defence Forces) recruitment exercise is expected to attract thousands of applicants nationwide.
According to the UPDF, applications will be submitted online between June 10 and June 24, after which shortlisted candidates will be displayed on district notice boards, city halls, and official military platforms.
Physical recruitment and screening will then be conducted between July 20 and August 1 across districts and cities, with quotas guided by population data from the 2024 National Population and Housing Census.
The army is recruiting both general entrants and specialists. General recruits must hold at least a UCE or UACE certificate and fall within the required age bracket, while specialists are being sought in fields including engineering, ICT, aviation, healthcare, law, logistics, education, sports, arts, and social sciences.
Military officials say the exercise is aimed at filling gaps created by planned retirements and strengthening capacity for new strategic deployments, including staffing for the UPDF National Referral Hospital, which is expected to become operational.