The Special Forces Command (SFC) has emerged overall winner of the second edition of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Inter-Forces Drill Competition held at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, with the 3rd Infantry Division taking second place.Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba congratulated all participating units for demonstrating significant improvement in discipline, precision and coordination. His message was delivered by Deputy CDF and Inspector General of the UPDF, Lt Gen Sam Okiding.Gen Muhoozi noted that lessons from the inaugural competition had translated into visible improvements in foot drill, sword drill, cane drill and marching formations, with participating formations showing greater confidence, synchronization and precision.
He described drill as more than a ceremonial exercise, saying it develops the attention to detail, rapid response to commands and strict adherence to military doctrine required in demanding operations. He linked these skills to the UPDF’s responsibilities in Uganda and its missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Somalia.The CDF also reaffirmed the UPDF’s identity as a “people’s army,” highlighting its contribution beyond conventional defence, including infrastructure development, national security and fisheries regulation. He credited President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s leadership for the transformation of the National Resistance Army into a modern and disciplined military force.The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs similarly commended the President and the CDF for building a force with international recognition and for supporting initiatives that continuously strengthen military preparedness.
He described drill as a foundation for discipline, teamwork, obedience and endurance, qualities that ultimately influence performance during combat, homeland defence and peace-support operations.Chief Judge Lt Gen (Rtd) Nakibus Lakara said the assessment process was conducted using uniform and fair scoring criteria, while Implementation Committee Chairman Maj Gen Wycliffe Keita, who also serves as Chief of UPDF Training and Doctrine, praised the competition and said repeated parade-ground practice contributes directly to battlefield readiness.
The ceremony brought together Cabinet ministers, senior UPDF commanders, leaders of sister security agencies including Police, Prisons and ESO, representatives of the NRM and PLU, and members of the public, as the SFC’s victory underscored the growing emphasis on discipline, cohesion and operational preparedness across Uganda’s armed forces.
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