5,022 Including Graduates Turn up for LDU Recruitment in Acholi, West Nile

Atlesat 5,022 youths from Acholi and West Nile Region have turned for the recently concluded recruitment of the local defence units personnel. 

The recruitment which kicked off on Monday 23 August 2021 was to end on the 27 but was extended by one day as more applicants turned in on the last day. 

The recruitment targeted youths from the age of 18 to 29 with a minimum of Uganda (Ordinary) Certificate of Education.

The applicants were required to submit academic papers and applications to the office of the Resident District Commissioners for scrutiny.

The Fourth Division Army Spokesperson Lt. Hassan Kato disclosed on Monday in an interview with Uganda Radio Network that the one week exercise attracted 5,022 applicants. 

The highest number of applications came from Gulu with 666 followed by Arua with 654, Marsha 430, Terego, 430, Yumbe 361, Nebbi 315, Madi Okolo 314, Adjumani 299 and Zombo with 257. 

Others are Nwoya with 227, Omoro 214 candidates followed by Amuru with 213 while only 66 turned out for the exercise from Obongi District.

Much as there was a high volume of applications, Kato noted that only 1,004 personnel will be recruited in a selection which he says will be more competitive, honest and transparent. 

“The demand was high and we saw quite a number of those with Diplomas and Graduates turning up and this explains the level of job scarcity in the Country” Kato added.

However, according to Kato, more than 100 applicants were women, the highest number he says the exercise has attracted which he owes it to good civil - military cooperation.

//Cue in..." we received huge.." 

Cue out..."the ten thousand..."//

Stephen Odong Latek, the Gulu Resident District Commissioner however revealed that the recruitment is only restricted to those with Covid-19 vaccination certificates.

“We will expect the successful candidates to present their vaccination certificates or prepare to undergo mandatory tests on the day of interviews" he said. 

Latek further revealed that the interviews for the applicants from Acholi Sub Region will take place between the 2 of September to 16 at the Fourth Division Barracks in Gulu. 

However, on Monday afternoon, the office of the Resident District Commissioner was still overwhelmed by the candidates seeking to submit their academic papers. 

Daniel Ongenrwot, a 21 year old Senior Four Leaver is among the 20 other applicants who sought to submit their papers but were turned away. 

Ongenrwot, a resident of Alokolum Cell in Bardege-Layibi Division in an interview says he has lost hope of getting back to school since he had stayed home for two years after completing Senior Four. 

“I have been working as a conductor in the bus park since the schools were closed and there is an opportunity I could see in the Military than to continue waiting at home,” Ongenrwot added. 

According to the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, the Army has targeted 10,000 in the new recruitments. 

Some 25,000 personnel for Local Defence Units were recruited mostly in 2018 as auxiliary forces to maintain peace and security following an increased wave of crime  and  killing of some high profile persons in the Country.

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