UPDF Recruitment: Defilement Suspect Arrested at Lira City Exercise
A man wanted for defiling a teenage girl in Otuke District has been arrested during the UPDF recruitment drive at Mayor Gardens in Lira City. Two others were also apprehended for document forgery. Authorities urge applicants to maintain good conduct as the exercise continues across the Acholi and Lango sub-regions.
LCC TV NEWS
LIRA CITY, Uganda – The ongoing Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) recruitment exercise has been marked by the arrest of multiple suspects, including a man accused of defiling a teenage girl, as authorities maintain strict vetting standards for prospective soldiers.
Michael Ojok, a resident of Corner Adwari in Otuke District, was apprehended on Monday, August 17, 2026, while presenting himself for recruitment at Mayor Gardens in Lira City. The suspect had travelled to Lira to participate in the exercise, which entered its second day for applicants from Otuke and Alebtong districts.
Defilement Case Prompts Arrest
According to Isaac Opio Opeo, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (ARDC) of Otuke, a defilement case was formally reported at Otuke Central Police Station on June 27, 2026, implicating Ojok in the violation of a teenage girl in Adwari Sub-county.
"Police had been actively searching for the suspect prior to his appearance at the recruitment centre," Opio Opeo explained. He noted that after Ojok was positively identified among the applicants, he immediately contacted the Otuke District Police Commander (DPC), who confirmed that the suspect was wanted in connection with the open defilement case.
The ARDC subsequently directed law enforcement officers to arrest Ojok and transport him to Otuke Central Police Station, where he is expected to face further investigations and potential charges.
Forgery Suspects Apprehended
In a separate incident, Lameck Ongom, the Assistant RDC of Alebtong District, confirmed that two individuals—one female and one male from Alebtong district—were also arrested during the recruitment exercise on suspicion of document forgery. The pair was prevented from proceeding with the recruitment process after authorities detected irregularities in their submitted paperwork.
UPDF Spokesperson Speaks on Conduct
Major Bilal Katamba, the UPDF spokesperson for the 4th Division Infantry covering the Acholi Sub-region and West Nile, confirmed that despite the arrests, the overall recruitment exercise was progressing satisfactorily. The initiative began on August 10, 2026, across the Acholi and Lango sub-regions.
Maj. Katamba urged all applicants to maintain good conduct throughout the process, emphasising that recruitment into the UPDF requires individuals to possess a good reputation and maintain clean records within their communities.
Recruitment Figures and Schedule
Preliminary recruitment figures indicate that 76 applicants have been successfully recruited from Alebtong District, with an equal number of 76 recruits from Otuke District.
The recruitment team is scheduled to continue the exercise in Dokolo and Amolatar districts on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
Call for Compliance
Authorities have reiterated their call for eligible young people to adhere to official recruitment procedures and present genuine documents during the exercise, warning that any form of malpractice would not be tolerated.
The UPDF continues to emphasise that integrity and character are fundamental requirements for all individuals seeking to serve in the nation's defence forces.
What's Your Reaction?
