Uganda’s youth enrollment program in the Central Region islands faces limited participation due to implementation challenges.
The UPDF has initiated a youth enrollment program targeting the island districts of Mukono, Kayunga, Buvuma, and Buikwe in the Central Region. However, the exercise has seen limited participation in its early stages due to various implementation challenges.
Major Katumba, overseeing the recruitment process, outlined specific eligibility criteria for applicants. Prospective candidates must be Ugandan citizens between 18 and 20 years of age, possess valid National ID cards, be unmarried without dependents, and have no visible tattoos or body modifications. The military official emphasised the importance of these requirements, stating they help ensure the selection of disciplined candidates. He issued a stern warning against fraudulent applications, noting that individuals caught using forged documents would face immediate arrest.
The recruitment drive has encountered several obstacles, including poor mobilisation in remote island communities, limited awareness about program benefits among potential candidates, and the exclusion of many youth who don't meet the stringent requirements.
Despite the slow start, authorities have acknowledged these challenges and pledged to intensify sensitisation campaigns in the coming weeks to improve participation rates. Officials remain optimistic that the program will gain momentum as awareness spreads throughout the targeted districts.
