The Special Forces Command (SFC) emerged as the overall winner of the second Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Inter-Forces Drill Competition, as the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) showcased precision, discipline and cohesion at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
The 3rd Infantry Division finished as the first runner-up in the competition, which brought together formations from across the UPDF to demonstrate their mastery of foot drill, sword drill, cane drill and marching routines.
Representing Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Deputy CDF and Inspector General, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, hailed the remarkable improvement registered by the participating forces since the inaugural competition.
He said the second edition had demonstrated greater precision, coordination and unity, reflecting the value of continuous training and adherence to military doctrine.
According to the CDF’s message, drill remains an important foundation for building discipline, sharpening attention to detail and ensuring the prompt execution of commands
qualities that are essential both on the parade square and during military operations.
The CDF further noted that these attributes remain critical as the UPDF continues to undertake national security responsibilities and participate in regional and international missions, including operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Somalia.
He reaffirmed the UPDF’s commitment to remaining a people’s army, highlighting its contribution not only to national defence but also to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation through infrastructure development and other national assignments, including fisheries regulation.
The CDF also credited President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for providing the leadership and vision that transformed the National Resistance Army into what he described as a modern, professional and disciplined force.
The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs praised President Museveni and the UPDF leadership for promoting initiatives aimed at strengthening professionalism and operational preparedness within the armed forces.
He said drill was more than a ceremonial activity, describing it as a critical tool for instilling teamwork, endurance, discipline and instant obedience to lawful commands.
“Precision on the parade square ultimately contributes to effectiveness on the battlefield,” the Minister noted, stressing the importance of unity and discipline in homeland defence and peace support operations.
He also underscored the importance of strong civil-military relations, saying the respect and confidence of wananchi are strengthened when members of the armed forces consistently demonstrate discipline, professionalism and unity.
The competition also provided an opportunity to reaffirm the UPDF’s core values of Patriotism, Discipline, Pan-Africanism and Professionalism, which military leaders said remain central to building a reliable and effective force.
Chief Judge Lt Gen (Rtd) Nakibus Lakara said the competition was conducted under strict and universally applicable scoring criteria to ensure fairness and transparency throughout the evaluations.
Meanwhile, Maj Gen Wycliffe Keita, the Chairman of the Implementation Committee and Chief of UPDF Training and Doctrine, thanked the CDF for supporting the competition and emphasized the close connection between drill training and combat effectiveness.
He said the discipline developed through rigorous parade-square practice prepares soldiers to operate effectively under pressure and execute tasks with accuracy in operational environments.
The event attracted Cabinet Ministers, senior UPDF officers, leaders of sister security agencies including the Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Service and External Security Organisation, as well as representatives from the NRM, PLU and members of the public.
The victory by SFC capped a day of intense competition and military display, reinforcing the UPDF leadership’s message that discipline, professionalism and cohesion remain at the heart of a modern fighting force.