Police warn overqualified, fraudulent applicants in recruitment

KAMPALA - Police have issued a strong warning to all applicants participating in the ongoing recruitment exercise for 10,000 probationary police constables, cautioning against forgery, overqualification, and medical unsuitability.

Addressing journalists during the weekly police briefing on April 28, 2025, at the police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma said the interviews, which commenced today, Monday, will continue until May 4, 2025, across 21 designated recruitment centres.

Rusoke explained that, based on previous recruitment exercises, police have identified several malpractice trends among applicants, most notably the submission of forged academic documents.

“In previous recruitments, some candidates tendered forged academic documents, thinking they could beat the system,” Rusoke said. “This time, we are sending an early warning — if you submit forged papers, you will be apprehended and prosecuted.”

He pointed out that many candidates illegally obtain documents from areas such as Nasser Road, Kampala’s notorious hub for document forgery, and warned that such malpractice would attract serious punishment.

Additionally, the Police Force is emphasising the need for applicants to meet the specified minimum academic requirement of the Uganda Certificate of Education (Senior 4).

"We have been clear that we are looking for Senior 4 holders. However, some candidates hide their Senior 6 certificates, and others even have diplomas, degrees, or master’s qualifications,” Rusoke noted. “This time, if you are overqualified, you will be disqualified.”

Rusoke said that overqualified candidates have previously posed significant staff retention challenges, as many seek alternative jobs after recruitment, affecting the Force’s operations.

The police spokesperson further warned against applicants attempting to use academic documents belonging to their siblings or other individuals, a practice he described as criminal and unacceptable.

“Some candidates have even used their brother’s certificates to apply. This is prohibited, and whoever is caught will be prosecuted,” Rusoke said.

In addition, police have cautioned individuals with underlying medical conditions against participating in the recruitment exercise.

Rusoke explained that police training involves rigorous military drills that may endanger the health of individuals with heart conditions, other serious illnesses, and expectant mothers.

“Military training can be very inconveniencing to persons with underlying medical conditions. If you know you have a health problem or you are pregnant, we advise you not to apply,” he said.

Rusoke noted that medical personnel are stationed at all recruitment centres to screen and advise candidates on their fitness.

Moreover, individuals with criminal records have been categorically warned to stay away from the recruitment process.

“If you have a criminal record, please don’t come,” Rusoke emphasised. “We have seen situations where people who have just left prison or deserted from the army, prison service, or public service come to join the police force. We usually net them.”

He reiterated that deserters and those listed as wanted persons would be arrested during the vetting process.

“The message is clear — come with clean hands and the right medical fitness if you want to join the Uganda Police Force,” Rusoke concluded.