At least 5,022 youths from Acholi and West Nile Region have turned for the recently concluded recruitment of the Local Defence Unit (LDU) 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 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.
The UPDF 4th Division Army Spokesperson Lt. Hassan Kato disclosed on Monday that only 1,004 personnel will be recruited in a selection which he says will be more competitive, honest and transparent.
According to the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, the Army has targeted 10,000 in the new recruitments.
