Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka Defends UPDF Recruitment Process, Says Army Considers Nationality, Not Tribe

What the report says

Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka has defended the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces’ ongoing 2026 recruitment exercise, saying applicants are assessed on nationality and residence rather than tribe or religion. He made the remarks in Parliament during the 19th sitting of the first meeting of the first session of the 12th Parliament, chaired by Speaker Rt. Hon. Jacob Oboth-Oboth, after legislators questioned reported irregularities in the process.

According to Watchdog Uganda, MPs raised concerns about candidates being registered in districts outside their areas of origin. One lawmaker cited a case involving a Munyankore reportedly recruited from Mbale District. Kiwanuka said the UPDF recruits people from the places where they register, as long as their documents confirm residence there.

The minister also addressed a separate complaint from Pallisa District involving a candidate identified as Osire. The legislator alleged that Osire was told to write a different name, then disqualified and beaten after reporting for physical recruitment on August 18. Kiwanuka said the ministry would investigate what happened, while also questioning why a candidate would agree to use another name. He added that academic documents are used to verify identity and qualifications.

Maj Gen David Gonyi, who also serves as UPDF Whip in Parliament, backed the ministry’s position and said a person who has not yet joined the army cannot be treated as following military orders. The exchange highlights continuing scrutiny over recruitment standards and fairness in a force seen as central to Uganda’s national security.