Top Story: 13 Arrested in Kagadi for Presenting Forged Documents During UPDF Recruitment
Kagadi, Uganda – August 12, 2025
Thirteen individuals have been arrested in Kagadi District for attempting to join the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) using forged academic documents during the ongoing national recruitment exercise.
The suspects — 11 men and two women — were apprehended after verification processes revealed they had submitted fake Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) slips, forged Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) certificates, falsified Senior Four testimonials from 2024, and counterfeit national identification cards.
Kagadi Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Nanshemeza Caroline strongly condemned the incident, calling it “unnecessary and criminal,” especially in light of Uganda’s free primary and secondary education programs.
“Presenting fake academic documents is a crime in this country,” RDC Nanshemeza said. “Why resort to such actions when we have free education? I urge parents and guardians to make full use of government education initiatives to prepare their children for opportunities like this.”
The arrested suspects have been handed over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Captain Wilson Kato Agaba, Public Information Officer for UPDF Recruitment Team 5 in the Bunyoro Region, reiterated the force’s commitment to integrity in the recruitment process.
“We have a professional and experienced screening team that can easily detect forged documents,” Capt. Agaba warned. “Anyone thinking of cheating the system should reconsider — it’s not worth the risk.”
Out of 88 candidates shortlisted in Kagadi, 61 — including four women — were successfully recruited. The exercise will continue in Kibaale District before concluding in Kakumiro District later this week.
