Kitgum Bribery Scandal Rocks UPDF Recruitment, Three in Custody
The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces’ ongoing recruitment drive in Northern Uganda was briefly overshadowed by a bribery scandal on Friday after three men were arrested for allegedly trying to buy their way into the force.
Security operatives in Kitgum swooped in on the suspects none of whom had made it onto the official shortlist for Kitgum or Lamwo districts after they reportedly attempted to hand cash to the leader of Team Six, the Northern Region recruitment unit.
Those arrested include Okema Samuel from Kitgum District, allegedly found with Shs 200,000; Torach Isaac from Lamwo District, reportedly carrying Shs 600,000; and Ocaya Joel, also from Lamwo, allegedly in possession of Shs 100,000. The trio is now in police custody as investigations continue.
Despite the attempted bribery, the recruitment exercise pressed on without disruption. Kitgum saw 65 candidates qualify 59 for regular service, including three women, and seven professionals—while Lamwo produced 27 successful recruits, among them 19 men, five women, and three professionals.
The UPDF has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on corruption in the recruitment process, warning that only those who meet the set standards will be enlisted.
