13 arrested over forged documents in UPDF recruitment in Jinja
The recruitment exercise is expected to conclude on August 19 in Buyende District.
Thirteen people have been arrested in Jinja City for allegedly using forged documents to gain entry into the ongoing Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) recruitment exercise.
The suspects were arrested at Kakindu Stadium in Jinja South Division, where applicants had gathered for screening, according to Brig Gen Peter Gaitano Emola, the recruitment overseer for the Busoga region.
Brig Gen Emola said the suspects allegedly forged identification cards issued to genuine applicants and attempted to use them to enter the recruitment process.
“We intercepted 13 people who attempted to infiltrate the recruitment exercise and join the group after screening,” he said.
According to Brig Gen Emola, the suspects took advantage of names of shortlisted applicants who had not turned up for screening. They allegedly forged cards bearing those applicants’ details and used them in an attempt to gain entry.
The suspects comprise three women and 10 men and have been handed over to police for further investigations.
On the first day of the recruitment exercise, 126 applicants from Jinja City and Jinja District were successfully recruited, according to the UPDF.
Capt Ibrahim Kasule Ssekitto, the recruitment exercise spokesperson, said the process was progressing smoothly and that candidates were being selected on merit.
He urged shortlisted applicants to maintain discipline and warned against forgery or other attempts to manipulate the recruitment process.
The recruitment exercise is expected to conclude on August 19 in Buyende District.
