The ongoing countrywide Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) recruitment exercise turned tragic in Apac District after one of the applicants, 22 year old Solomon Dono collapsed and died shortly after a fitness run.
The deceased, a resident of Miciri B Cell, Aberidwogo Ward in Ibuje Town Council, collapsed after completing a 4km run at Apac Technical School, which was part of the pre-recruitment physical fitness drill.
According to sources, Dono was among three applicants who collapsed after the run and were rushed to Apac Hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival while the other two recovered after receiving treatment.
The Apac Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Andrew Onyuk while talking to media described the incident as very unfortunate and noted that a postmortem was underway to determine the cause of Dono’s sudden death.
The head of the UPDF recruitment team Col David Opeero, noted that the process involves four stages: verification of shortlisted candidates, document verification, preliminary medical checks, and the short run, followed by a full medical examination.
“In Apac, during the run, one of the participants collapsed. Despite prompt evacuation and first aid, he unfortunately passed away. The body is now at Apac Government Hospital. We have extended heartfelt condolences,” Col Opeero sa
Despite the tragedy, the recruitment exercise went ahead and was successfully concluded in both Apac and Kwania districts.
