UPDF Unveils New Service Doctrines For Land Forces, Air Force and Special Forces

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has unveiled Service Doctrines for the Land Forces, Air Force, and Special Forces Command to strengthen professionalism, interoperability, and doctrine-based operations.

At the launch at the Defence Intelligence and Security Headquarters, Chief of Joint Staff Lieutenant General Jack Bakasumba commended personnel who contributed to developing the doctrines. “For all those who were involved in this process, I want to thank you,” Lt Gen Bakasumba said.

Brigadier General Keita, representing the Chief of Defence Forces, said the doctrines provide a strategic and operational link between the three services, enabling coordinated action. “The launch of these doctrines demonstrates the institutional readiness of the UPDF to operate under a unified doctrinal framework. They ensure that we train to a common standard, plan with shared intent, and fight as one joint force,” he said.

He added that the doctrines respond to the growing need for operational guidance aligned to the three active services. “The launch of these Service Doctrines is justified by the need to institutionalise doctrine-based planning and execution across all services of the UPDF,” he said. Brig Gen Keita described them as “the cement that binds an army together,” noting they establish a common language, shared understanding of warfare, and a unified approach to training, planning, command, and operations.

“Doctrines are the foundation upon which military forces develop capacity, plan operations, and sustain missions. Doctrine gives the force more than guidance; it gives it coherence,” he added. He observed that the doctrines will strengthen confidence in the UPDF’s readiness to address modern security challenges and enhance its image as a professional force. “These Service Doctrines capture the operational experience of the UPDF and establish a professional framework on how the Services generate and apply combat power in support of national objectives,” he said.

The launch was attended by heads of Joint Staff Services, Service Chiefs of Staff, directors, generals, senior UPDF officers, and officials from the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs.