JINJA — Thirteen people have been arrested for allegedly using forged identification cards to gain entry into the ongoing Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) recruitment exercise in Jinja City.
The suspects were intercepted at Kakindu Stadium in Jinja South Division, where hundreds of applicants had gathered for screening.
Brig Gen Peter Gaitano Emola, the UPDF recruitment overseer for the Busoga region, said the suspects allegedly used the details of genuine applicants who had not turned up for screening.
According to Emola, the suspects obtained the names of absent applicants as the list was being read and allegedly presented forged identification cards bearing those details.
“We intercepted 13 people who attempted to infiltrate the recruitment exercise and join the group after screening,” Brig Gen Emola said.
The suspects comprise three women and 10 men. They have been handed over to police for questioning and further investigations.
The arrests came as the UPDF recruitment exercise continued across the Busoga region.
On the first day of the exercise, 126 applicants from Jinja City and Jinja District were successfully recruited, according to recruitment officials.
Capt Ibrahim Kasule Ssekitto, spokesperson for the recruitment exercise, said the selection process was proceeding smoothly, with candidates being assessed and selected on merit.
He warned applicants against forgery and other attempts to manipulate the recruitment process, saying anyone found using fraudulent documents would be arrested and investigated.
The nationwide UPDF recruitment exercise is scheduled to conclude on August 19 in Buyende District.
