The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) held its maiden Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Inter-Forces Drill Contest at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, marking a significant milestone in the military’s history. The event brought together sixteen units from different service branches to compete in harmonized drill routines, demonstrating exceptional coordination, discipline, and unity.
Presiding over the occasion, the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, lauded the exceptional level of performance exhibited by all the teams, calling the event “outstanding and enjoyable.”
“This is the first drill competition of its nature in UPDF’s history. Each team did an excellent job. I appreciate your dedication and commendable work. Let’s keep this spirit alive,” Gen Kainerugaba stated.
He highlighted that the drills exemplified the UPDF’s fundamental principles cohesion, accuracy, and integrity and stressed that such coordinated displays are vital to military effectiveness across all departments, formations, and units.
“This marks the dawn of a fresh chapter where the UPDF commits to achieving excellence in every field without compromise,” he added.
The CDF reaffirmed his dedication to improving soldiers’ welfare citing enhanced housing, medical care, transportation, logistical support, and educational opportunities for their families.
He also expressed gratitude to the Commander-in-Chief, H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, crediting the UPDF’s endurance and progress to his visionary leadership.
Deputy Chief of Defence Forces and Chairperson of the Competition Steering Committee, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, echoed appreciation for the Commander-in-Chief’s lasting guidance. “He always encourages us to make a difference wherever we serve, and that spirit has brought us here today,” he said.
Lt Gen Okiding commended Gen Kainerugaba’s leadership style, describing it as one rooted in humility, transparency, and collaboration. He reaffirmed the UPDF’s readiness and resolve to safeguard the country, anchored in strong values and spiritual grounding.
Retired Lt Gen Nakibus Lakara applauded the CDF for pioneering the competition, calling it a tactical initiative to strengthen operational readiness, camaraderie, and inter-unit cooperation. He noted that beyond showcasing UPDF’s capabilities, the contest emphasized their contribution to national defense.
Brig Gen Wycliffe Keita, who chaired the implementation committee, confirmed that the competition successfully met its goal of raising professionalism. “Each of the 16 squads displayed exemplary discipline, expertise, and thorough mastery in foot and arms drills,” he noted.
Participants were drawn from units including the Air Force, Special Forces Command, Infantry Divisions One to Five, Mountain Division, Artillery Division, Armoured Division, Motorized Infantry Division, Joint Staff Headquarters Brigade Group, Marine Brigade, Military Police Brigade, Directorate of Women Affairs, and Internal Security Organisation (ISO). From these, only eight teams progressed to the finals.
The contest featured a variety of drill styles such as foot drills, crop stick routines, cane stick formations, and synchronized marching in both slow and fast tempos.
The event was attended by Cabinet Ministers, Commander Land Forces 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, Ministry of Defence officials, generals, and other senior and junior officers.
