The Commander of the Special Forces Command (SFC), Maj Gen. David Mugisha, has commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his role in transforming the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) into a modern and professional army.
Maj Gen. Mugisha, speaking at a dinner hosted at the SFC Headquarters in Entebbe on Saturday, 17 May 2025, praised the President—also the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF—for his strategic leadership and consistent guidance in shaping the army’s professionalism and discipline.
He made the remarks during a celebration honouring the SFC officers who participated in the inaugural Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Inter-Forces Drill Competition. SFC emerged best overall in the creative drill category and secured first runner-up in the normal drill segment, where the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) claimed the top spot.
Maj Gen. Mugisha quoted President Museveni’s view on military professionalism: “A professional army is not just one that shoots accurately but one that has ideological clarity, discipline, and a deep understanding of its mission to serve and protect the people.”
He lauded the Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for initiating the competition, which drew participation from 16 teams.
“This historical event has not only elevated the standards of military ceremony and discipline but has also reinforced the enduring values of cohesion, precision, and team spirit,” Mugisha said.
He emphasized the importance of military drills as reflections of discipline, order, and collective spirit. “It is through such occasions that we sharpen our edge, deepen our honour—the traditions that define the UPDF,” he added.
The Chief of Staff-SFC, Brig Gen. Paul Namawa, acknowledged the collective effort behind the SFC’s success. “The SFC is a young service, but we are moving very fast. It cannot happen without the commitment and dedication of all the members who are here,” he said.
Special Forces Command (SFC) celebrated the victory they got during UPDF inter forces drill competition 2025 in style. ASIYE KIFANI. Viva UPDF ⚔️????????
— Kamukama Fredie #FutureSecured #PLU (@kamukamafredie) May 18, 2025
Congratulations CDF Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba @mkainerugaba , Maj Gen Mugisha BD, entire SFC. pic.twitter.com/cwdveqexhr
Director Human Resource Management-SFC, Col. Mango Baraza, congratulated the team that represented SFC and shared their results from the competition held at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on 13 May 2025.
“We emerged first in the creative drill category and earned a trophy, Shs 10 million, and an additional Shs 5 million as first runner-up in the normal drill,” Col. Mango said. He also appreciated the prevailing peace under President Museveni, which made such events possible.
Col. Paul Lokut, Director of Training and Doctrine-SFC, revealed that the idea for the drill competition was first proposed by the CDF in November 2024 and was well-structured to ensure smooth execution.
Maj Denis Masambo, who led the SFC drill team, thanked the leadership for entrusting them with the responsibility to represent SFC. “The team included officers and other ranks from various units and directorates, including female militants,” he said. He also appreciated the logistical support that enabled the team to compete effectively.
The dinner concluded with recognition of outstanding officers who demonstrated creativity and leadership during the competition, reinforcing SFC’s reputation for excellence and professionalism.
