Losing life is a common occurrence in the Defence Forces recruitment exercises. As a solution to the tragic happenings, presenters of The Fatboy Show, James Onen and Olive Najjuma proposed that youths undertake personal exercises before attending physical fitness tests organized by the UPDF recruitment team.
Their concern follows the death of a one University graduate identified as Atim Geoffrey, who died in a UPDF recruitment exercise in Apac district.
The 30-year-old is reported to have fainted after a road run test on Friday and was rushed to Apac Main Hospital for treatment. He was eventually discharged the same evening but got worse the next day and unfortunately breathed his last in a private clinic where he had been rushed shortly afterward.
“I think the UPDF should advise people to do some exercises to prepare them for the recruitment,” Olive said. Her co-host Onen, aka Fatboy, similarly added that anyone with an unhealthy lifestyle going for the tests would be risking their lives.
He said, “I have no idea about the kind of exercises recruits are subjected to during the UPDF recruitment process, but if it is similar to Muchaka Muchaka, you need to be well prepared.”
The UPDF exercise began on June 18, 2022. It intends to recruit 10,000 youths by July 4, 2022. It seeks to recruit 8,300 regular personnel from different parts of the country. It also seeks special recruitments such as; 100 medical personnel, 1,000 mechanics, drivers, and 600 Airforce officers.
For one to qualify, they should provide proof of Ugandan citizenship (national Identity Card), must be healthy, and willing to undergo medical checkups, and a road run. The recruits must be 18-25 for regular recruitment and 18-30 for professionals. They must be single without any children and willing to wait for four years from the time of recruitment before getting married.
The Fatboy show is hosted by James Onen aka Fatboy, Olive, and Sarah every weekday from 6 am to 10 am on RX Radio.