Published on 13/05/2025
Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) held its inaugural CDF Inter-Forces Drill Competition at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
The historic event brought together sixteen units from across the services to compete in synchronized drills, showcasing the highest standards of precision and teamwork.
The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who presided over the event applauded the high level of performance exhibited by all participants, describing the competition as both “excellent and enjoyable.”
“This competition is the first of its kind in the history of the UPDF. You all did well. Thank you for your effort and a job well done. Keep it up,” he remarked.
He emphasized that the drills demonstrated the core values and capabilities of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), including teamwork, precision, and discipline.
“Military parades represent the coordination essential in the military across different services, formations, and units,” he said, adding that this marked the beginning of a new era where the UPDF will strive for excellence in all fields without exception.
The CDF reiterated his commitment to improving the welfare of soldiers, including better living conditions, healthcare, transportation, logistics, and education for their children.
Gen Kainerugaba expressed gratitude to the Commander-in-Chief, H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for his visionary leadership, attributing UPDF’s success and resilience to his guidance.
The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces and Chairperson of the Drill Competition Steering Committee, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, also commended the Commander-in-Chief for his enduring mentorship.
“He has always taught us to add value wherever we are, and that is why we are here today,” Lt Gen Okiding said.
He praised Gen Kainerugaba for leading with humility, openness, and teamwork, and reaffirmed the UPDF’s readiness and capability to defend the nation, guided by strong values and the Holy Spirit.
Lt Gen (Rtd) Nakibus Lakara lauded the CDF for initiating the drill competition, calling it a strategic effort to enhance operational effectiveness, unity, esprit de corps, and inter-branch cooperation. He emphasized that such events not only demonstrate UPDF’s capabilities but also their contribution to national security.
Brig Gen Wycliffe Keita, chair of the implementation committee, affirmed that the competition’s key objective of enhancing professionalism had been successfully achieved. “All 16 participating teams exhibited top-notch discipline, skill, and complete mastery of foot and arms drills,” he said.
The selection process involved 16 teams, including: UPDF – Air Force, Special Forces Command, Infantry Divisions One through Five, Mountain Division, Artillery Division, Armoured Division, Motorized Infantry Division, Joint Staff Headquarters Brigade Group, Marine Brigade, Military Police Brigade Group, Directorate of Women Affairs and the Internal Security Organization (ISO). Only eight teams advanced to the final stage.
The competition featured various drill categories including foot drills, crop stick drills, cane stick drills, and synchronized marching in both slow and quick time.
Award Winners
Best Performing Team: Internal Security Organization (UGX 10 million)
2nd Place: Special Forces Command (UGX 5 million)
Best Drill Commander Officer: Lt Gloria Asere
Best Drill Non-Commissioned Officer: Sgt Muhammad Wasswa
Best Crop Stick Team: UPDAF
Best Cane Stick Team: 3 Infantry Division
Best Cultural Integration Team: SFC, with 5 Infantry Division as runners-up
Best Sword Team: ISO
Present were: Cabinet Ministers, Commander Land Force, Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga; General Officer Commanding Reserve Force, Lt Gen Charles Awany Otema; Commander Special Forces Command, Maj Gen BD Mugisha; Chief of Joint Staff, Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, Service Chiefs of Staff, Joint Staffs, Ministry of Defence Officials, Generals, Senior and Junior Officers.
