The Uganda Peoples Defence Force recruitment exercise came to a halt after a potential recruit collapsed and died during a physical fitness test at Kamuli Boma Ground on Monday.
Twaha Tondwa, a 22 year old from Butebo sub county in Pallisa District, came for the recruitment exercise under the Kaliro batch. The recruitment attracted candidates from, Kaliro, Buyende and Kamuli district.
The commander of Team 5 in charge of recruitment, Colonel Stephen Mugerwa noted that efforts to save Tondwa were not successful after he collapsed and later died while being given medical attention at Kamuli General Hospital.
Tondwa died of cardiac arrest, Col Mugerwa said, but we could not independently verify this claim.
Mr Awere Kaligo, the deceased’ father, said his son was upbeat about joining the armed forces inspite of the premature tragic end.
“It is God’s plan. My son has died pursuing his dream and, luckily, I witnessed it all.” he said, holding back tears.
The army in advertisement of the slots flagged physical fitness as a key requirement for prospective recruits. Following the death, recruiters abandoned plans of subjecting the candidates to push-ups, and instead gave them written interviews.
