The UPDF recruitment 2025 to 2026 is ongoing. Citizens who wish to join the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces should learn about the requirements, application form PDF download, dates and centers, then how to successful submit application.
Hello there! Welcome to Recruitment Front (RF) where we share up to date genuine information about recruitment exercises across Africa. Today, our focus is to show you the latest news concerning UPDF online application, dates and centers, then how to complete the form.
Not only that, we have highlighted the start and end date for the 2025 to 2026 UPDF recruitment exercise as well as tips that will help you successfully join the force.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
UPDF Recruitment Latest News Today 2025
The Uganda Peoples Defence (UPDF) recently announced commencement of 2025-2026 recruitment exercise which aims to recruit eleven thousand, five hundred (11,500) qualified Uganda citizens starting from Monday, 7th July 2025 to Friday, 11th July 2025. Sequel to this, applications are invited from persons who wish to contribute their quota to national and Pan-Africanism through dedicated service.
Who Can Join UPDF Recruitment 2025?
Interested citizens with valid National Identity card or passport between the ages of 18 to 25 years who possess UCE should visit www.updf.go.ug/careers to fill and submit application. Person applying must be residing in Uganda and preferable apply at the center there.
Eligibility Requirements
Irrespective of the position you wish to apply, here are the general requirements each applicant must meet:
- Age: Across all position, applicant must be 18 – 30 years. General recruit age limit is 22 years.
- Citizenship: Applicant must be an indigene of Uganda with a valid National Identity Card or Passport as proof.
- Capacity: Applicant must be one that’s physically, mentally and medically fit as this recruitment process involves paramilitary training.
- Patriotism: Applicant must be one with hone character free of criminal record, reside in the area of application and get recommendation from LCI, LCII, LCIII chairpersons, GISO/DISO, and Resident District Commission (RDC)
Uganda Peoples Defence Forces Mandate
The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of citizens within specified territory and Africa at large. It is a nonpartisan force with individuals of strong character, patriotism, professionals, discipline and productivity focused. The force is still subject to civilian authority as outline in the Country’s constitution.
Seeking to join UPDF is being read to protect and defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Uganda thereby fostering harmony and peaceful living.
The vacancies that mandates the 2025 UPDF recruitment exercise are as follows:
- Regular Forces
- Grade Five Teachers
- Airforce Professionals
1. Regular Forces: Applicants of this category must be within 18 to 22 years and possess a minimum qualification of the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE).
2. Grade Five Teachers: Persons interested in this category should have a Diploma or equivalent qualification from an accredited teacher training institution and must be 20 – 25 years.
3. Airforce Professionals
This category is open to candidates interested in positions such as;
i. Pilot Instructors: Applicants for this role must not exceed 30 years, should possess a private and commercial pilot license and A-level science subject combination with minimum of two (2) principal passes.
Ii. Pilots: Interested person should possess both Commercial and Private pilot license with instrument and instructor rating. A-level result must be science based.
iii. Aircraft Maintenance Engineers: A diploma in either engine or air frame or avionics discipline is required.
iv. Air Traffic Controllers: Applicant must have a Bachelor’s degree in either Mathematics, Physics or a closely related discipline.
v. Meteorologists: This role is for persons with a Degree or Diploma in Meteorology in a science related course which must contain Physical, Mathematics, and Economics etc.
Additionally, interested candidates with Senior Six Leavers with 12 points or Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education with 8 points and above scan apply.
Also Read: Uganda LDU Recruitment 2025/2026
How to Apply for UPDF Recruitment 2025 to 2026
The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces recruitment exercise is in two (2) phases.
- Online application
- Physical recruitment/assessment
Phase 1: Online Application
Prospective applicants must visit the approved UPDF recruitment portal www.recruitment.updf.go.ug to complete the online application form, attach copies of Passport photo, National Identity Card, and academic documents, and then submit application on or before the set deadline.
Phase 2: Physical Assessment
The physical recruitment would be for successful applicants of phase 1, i.e. UPDF shortlisted candidates shall report at assigned recruitment centers with their hand written application letter signed by LCI, II, III, and GISO/DISO, original and copies of National Identity Card, 3-coloured passport-size photographs and academic certificates.
Upon arriving at the recruitment venue, candidates shall be given introduction card. The physical recruitment shall be done in accordance to UBOS district data.
UPDF Recruitment 2025 Online Application Form
Access the online application form for UPDF regular and professional recruit at the registration portal. Ensure you carefully provide required information like your name, NIN, educational qualification, email address and preferred password, then click the register button.
Download UPDF Application Form PDF 2025
UPDF Recruitment 2025 Dates and Centers
The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) recruitment exercise shall be conducted across all districts and cities of the country from Monday, 7th July 2025 to Friday, 11th July 2025. In summary, UPDF recruitment 2025/2026 seeks to recruit 11,500 qualified and interested individuals.
| Central Region | Eastern Region | Northern Region | Western Region |
| Buikwe | Amuria | Abim | Buhweju |
| Bukomansimbi | Budaka | Adjumani | Buliisa |
| Butambala | Bududa | Agago | Bundibugyo |
| Buvuma | Bugiri | Alebtong | Bunyangabu |
| Gomba | Bugweri | Amolatar | Bushenyi |
| Kalangala | Bukedea | Amudat | Hoima |
| Kalungu | Bukwo | Amuru | Ibanda |
| Kampala | Bulambuli | Apac | Isingiro |
| Kasanda | Busia | Arua | Kabale |
| Kayunga | Butaleja | Dokolo | Kabarole |
| Kiboga | Butebo | Gulu | Kagadi |
| Kyankwanzi | Buyende | Kaabong | Kakumiro |
| Kyotera | Iganga | Karenga | Kamwenge |
| Luweero | Jinja | Kitgum | Kanungu |
| Lwengo | Kaberamaido | Koboko | Kasese |
| Lyantonde | Kalaki | Kole | Kazo |
| Masaka | Kaliro | Kotido | Kibaale |
| Mityana | Kamuli | Kwania | Kikuube |
| Mpigi | Kapchorwa | Lamwo | Kiruhura |
| Mubende | Kapelebyong | Lira | Kiryandongo |
| Mukono | Katakwi | Madi-Okollo | Kisoro |
| Nakaseke | Kibuku | Maracha | Kitagwenda |
| Nakasongola | Kumi | Moroto | Kyegegwa |
| Rakai | Kween | Moyo | Kyenjojo |
| Sembabule | Luuka | Nabilatuk | Masindi |
| Wakiso | Manafwa | Nakapiripirit | Mbarara |
| Mayuge | Napak | Mitooma | |
| Mbale | Nebbi | Ntoroko | |
| Namayingo | Nwoya | Ntungamo | |
| Namisindwa | Obongi | Rubanda | |
| Namutumba | Omoro | Rubirizi | |
| Ngora | Otuke | Rukiga | |
| Pallisa | Oyam | Rukungiri | |
| Serere | Pader | Rwampara | |
| Sironko | Pakwach | Sheema | |
| Terego | |||
| Yumbe | |||
| Zombo |
UPDF Recruitment 2025 Application Deadline
Official, the Uganda People Defence Forces recruitment application will come to a close on Friday, 11th July 2025. Candidates who are unable to submit their forms online at recruitment.updf.go.ug shall be disqualified off the recruitment process.
Success Tips for UPDF Recruitment 2025
- When applying avoid the temptation to provide false information or documents as this will instantly disqualified you off the recruitment process.
- UPDF application form is free of charge thus refrain from paying any individual or group to gain favouritism. If approached with such, report to the nearest police station.
- Female professional are highly encouraged to submit application.
- Candidates applying for either Air force or grade five teachers shall attach copies of academic and professional certificates/documents.
Final Thought
The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) recruitment 2025 to 2026 is open to all interested and qualified citizens within 18 to 30 years of age. There is no seclusion or racism, equal opportunity is given to everyone therefore proceed now to submit application online at https://recruit.updf.go.ug.
If you have a question concerning this recruitment exercise, do well to indicate in the comment section below or contact UPDF at Chwa II Road, Mbuya, P.O. Box 3798, Kampala, Uganda, 0414-565346, ddpi@updf.go.ug or visit their official website www.updf.go.ug.