A fourth recruit is Dies while training at UWA

Jacob Opiyo, 20, was a Kitgum District resident. Opiyo reportedly collapsed moments after finishing the 5K run in the ongoing recruitment exercise. (A fourth recruit is Dies while training at UWA )

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has confirmed that another recruit died during a game ranger fitness run in Gulu

Jacob Opiyo, a 20-year-old Kitgum District resident, was killed. Jacob Opiyois said to have collapsed moments after finishing the 5K run in the ongoing recruitment exercise.

He was pronounced dead at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital on Wednesday evening after being rushed there for emergency treatment.

According to UWA Communications Manager Bashir Hangi, the deceased became dizzy after successfully finishing the 5K race and died in hospital.

Hangi has warned those considering joining UWA not to commit to going through the physical exercises if they have underlying ailments or are in poor physical condition.

This is not a life-or-death situation. People who are ill should not participate in this exercise because it is stressful, and the actual training is even more stressful,” Hangi said.

Hangi claims that applicants are always briefed and informed of the consequences before participating in the physical drills. He did, however, observe that many people are reluctant to talk about their illnesses.

There were at least 627 applicants for the ranger recruitment at Kaunda grounds in Gulu City, compared to the 48 slots UWA reserved for the Acholi Sub-region.

This incident occurs shortly after UWA announced that three more people were killed during the same exercise in Kasese.

All three people died during a recruitment exercise at Queen Elizabeth National Park’s Katunguru playground in Rubirizi District on Monday.

Jozbert Muhindo, a 23-year-old resident of Kasindi village in Nyakabingo Sub County in Kasese District; Rogers Bwambale, a 24-year-old resident of Kisolholho village in Karambi Sub County in Kasese District; and Alex Bwire, a resident of Kamuli District, were identified as the deceased.

Hangi confirmed the incident, saying that after collapsing, the three were rushed to Kasese District’s Lugazi Health Center IV, where they were pronounced dead. (A fourth recruit is Dies while training at UWA – Breaking news in Uganda)