A 22-year-old man died on Friday during Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) recruitment training exercise in Apac District.
The deceased, identified as Solomon Dono, a resident of Aberidwogo Cell in Ibuje Town Council, collapsed shortly after completing a short-distance run, one of the mandatory physical fitness tests in the recruitment process.
Apac Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Andrew Onyuk said Dono collapsed immediately after finishing the run and was quickly attended to by the on-site medical team before being rushed to Apac Hospital.
“He was rushed in an ambulance, which was following the runners, to a nearby hospital. Unfortunately, upon arrival, he could not make it. This has been very unfortunate,” Onyuk said, adding that a post-mortem is underway to establish the cause of death.
Oyuk however, expressed condolences to the bereaved family and commended the recruitment team for their swift response.
Col David Opeero, UPDF Head of the recruitment team, explained that the process involves four stages: verification of shortlisted candidates, document verification, preliminary medical checks, and the short run, followed by a full medical examination.
“In Apac, during the run, one of the participants collapsed. Despite prompt evacuation and first aid, he unfortunately passed away. The body is now at Apac Government Hospital. We have extended heartfelt condolences,” Col Opeero said.
Despite the somber mood, the recruitment exercise continued, with 94 applicants successfully selected from Apac and Kwania districts.
In Apac District, out of 91 shortlisted applicants, 56 were successful, 44 male regular recruits, 10 female regular recruits, and 2 male professionals.
In Kwania District, 38 of the 75 shortlisted applicants made it through: 33 male regular recruits, 3 female regular recruits, and 2 professionals.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) intends to recruit about 11,500 new soldiers. This recruitment drive is for both regular forces and professional units. The exercise is happening in two phases: online applications followed by physical screening