Applicant dies after 4-kilometre race to join UPDF
UPDF Medics team carry Dono Solomon on a stretcher to hospital.
By Our reporter
APAC – Dono Solomona, a 22-year-old applicant, collapsed and died during the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) recruitment exercise in Apac District on Friday, 15th 2025.
According to the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Apac, Mr Andrew Onyuk, the late collapsed after finishing the four-kilometre race and was immediately attended to by medical personnel on site.
Mr Onyuk Andrew the RDC Apac District addresses the shortlisted applicants.
“He was rushed in an ambulance, which was following the runners, to a nearby hospital, but was later pronounced dead,” he said.
“Unfortunately, upon arrival, he could not make it. This has been very unfortunate,” Mr Onyuk said, noting that a post-mortem examination is underway to determine the exact cause of death.” he said.
UPDF medics giving first AID to Ogwang Karlo who fainted after the 4km run.
Mr Onyuk extended condolences to Solomon’s family and praised the recruitment team for their swift intervention.
Physical fitness run is a mandatory requirement in the UPDF recruitment exercises.
Col David Opeero, head of the recruitment team, explained that the process consists of four stages: verification of shortlisted candidates, document checks, preliminary medical screening, and the run, followed by a comprehensive 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 said.
UPDF verification team at work.
He said another applicant also collapsed during the initial run but was placed under medical care and stabilised.
Despite the incident, the exercise continued, producing successful recruits in both Apac and Kwania districts.
In Apac District, out of 91 shortlisted applicants, 56 were successful, 44 male regular recruits, 10 female regular recruits, and two male professionals.
In Kwania District, 38 out of 75 shortlisted applicants were successful, comprising 33 male regular recruits, three female regular recruits, and two professionals.
