The Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) concluded the second edition of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Inter‑Forces Drill Competition at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, with Special Forces Command (SFC) claiming overall victory, followed by the 3rd Infantry Division.
Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, in remarks delivered by the Deputy CDF and Inspector General, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, commended participants for remarkable progress. He noted that lessons from the inaugural edition clearly drove substantial improvements in precision, coordination, and cohesion across foot, sword, cane, and marching routines. Drill, he emphasized, instills attention to detail, prompt command execution, and doctrinal adherence, skills critical for internal security as well as international missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Somalia.
Reaffirming the UPDF as a "people's army," the CDF highlighted the military's ongoing support for national defence and socio‑economic development, including infrastructure projects and fisheries regulation. He credited President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni's visionary leadership for transforming the National Resistance Army (NRA) into today's modern, disciplined force.
The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs also praised President Museveni and the CDF for building a globally respected army and for organizing events that continuously sharpen combat readiness. He described drill as the foundational pillar of discipline, teamwork, instant obedience, and endurance, stressing that parade-square precision translates directly to battlefield execution, homeland defence, and peace support operations.
Addressing civil-military relations, the Minister noted that civilian (wanainchi) respect hinges on visible discipline and unity. He reaffirmed the UPDF's core values, Patriotism, Discipline, Pan‑Africanism, and Professionalism, as vital guarantees against betrayal.
Chief Judge Lt Gen (Rtd) Nakibus Lakara confirmed that fair, universal scoring parameters were strictly applied throughout the evaluations. Implementation Committee Chairman Maj Gen Wycliffe Keita, who also serves as the Chief of UPDF Training and Doctrine, thanked the CDF, reiterating that parade‑square practice directly reinforces battlefield combat readiness.
The event drew Cabinet Ministers, senior officers, heads of sister security agencies (including the Police, Prisons, and ESO), representatives from the NRM and PLU, and members of the general public.
