The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) have launched the first-ever Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Inter-Forces Drill Competition to enhance discipline, teamwork, and professionalism within the military.
The competition, held at the Land Forces Headquarters in Bombo on February 15, 2025, is now part of the annual CDF calendar and aims to keep soldiers active and well-trained during peacetime.
Presiding over the launch, Deputy CDF Lt Gen Sam Okiding, who represented the Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, praised the initiative as a crucial step in maintaining military readiness.
“Uganda has been fully pacified through the tireless efforts of the National Resistance Army (NRA) guerrilla struggle, and now we are at peace,” Lt Gen Okiding said. “It is, therefore, prudent that the army trains harder during peacetime to consolidate and maintain what our fore-fighters established. This will keep the forces active, fit, and disciplined in all aspects of military work.”
Citing Proverbs 9:9, he emphasized the importance of continuous training, saying, “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.”
Brig Gen Wycliffe Keita, Chairperson of the Implementation Committee, highlighted that the competition upholds the UPDF’s core values of excellence, discipline, and teamwork. He noted that participants were drawn from formations and units across all UPDF services.
The competition includes a structured training program designed to develop leadership and drill skills among senior officers, junior officers, and non-commissioned officers.
Brig Gen Keita described the training as a unifying force within the UPDF. “This training weaves together the diverse strengths of the UPDF, forming a rich tapestry that showcases the unique mosaic of our identity as a disciplined and professional force,” he said.
The launch event featured a series of drill demonstrations, showcasing the precision and coordination of the participants. Soldiers executed Sword Drill movements, including standing at attention, saluting, drawing swords, and marching.
The Crop Stick Drill and Cane Stick Drill displayed saluting, turning, and changing stick positions, both stationary and in motion. The Foot Drill featured basic military maneuvers, such as marching, saluting, and executing turns.
The UPDF band also delivered a captivating performance, demonstrating musical discipline and coordination.
The event was attended by Commander Land Forces Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, Service Chiefs of Staff, Joint Staff, senior officers, and junior officers of the UPDF.
