UPDF decries political interference in recruitment

Uganda People Defence Forces (UPDF) has decried political interference in the ongoing recruitment in Northern Uganda.

Maj Caeser Olweny, the 4th Division Spokesperson while speaking during a recruitment exercise at the old Akii-bua stadium in Lira Town on Thursday, said the region is “funny with leaders interfering with the ongoing recruitment.”

“When you come to this region, something that should not be taken political, something that does not require a call from statehouse or wherever it will be done from this region. Imagine if someone comes and worst of all with five children and they want all to be recruited, do you think I will be doing the right thing?” he said.

Maj Olweny noted that; “the priority should be the peasants. Do you think we will develop if we have that greed? We must stick to the principle.”

He said the exercise in the region is to recruit the best candidates, and it is not based on influence, relationship or anything but on how somebody present his or her papers.

“There are children of peasants here from Aromo, Bata, Adwari and these are the people we are looking for. And we must take them on merit without any compromise, without any money changing hands,” he said.

However, Maj Olweny warned political leaders who have interests in the recruitment that the recruiting team won't fulfil them unless they are constitutional.

“We are not going to fulfil the interest of individuals, what the team want is what we are going to pick,” he said.

According to Maj Olweny, the exercise in Lira started on well though with an overwhelming turn-up.

“It was too scary for us because over 2000 reported on the recruitment ground. We are happy that the exercise is still going on well. We are sorting out issues of papers and other issues because every step that we go to people must be eliminated, it means you must have not satisfied the team with something,” he said.

The nationwide army recruitment exercise runs until January 5, 2020, before successful candidates start training in different military training schools around the country.