The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) wrapped up the second edition of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Inter-Forces Drill Competition at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.

Special Forces Command (SFC) took the overall title, with the 3rd Infantry Division placing second.

Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, whose remarks were delivered by Deputy CDF and Inspector General Lt Gen Sam Okiding, congratulated the participants on their clear progress.

He observed that experience gained from the first edition had produced noticeable gains in precision, coordination and cohesion across foot, sword, cane and marching routines.

Drill, he stressed, develops attention to detail, swift response to commands and adherence to doctrine—abilities essential for internal security operations and for missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Somalia.

Reaffirming the UPDF as a “people’s army,” the CDF pointed to the force’s continued contribution to national defence and socio-economic progress, including infrastructure work and fisheries regulation.

He attributed the transformation of the National Resistance Army (NRA) into today’s modern, disciplined military to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s visionary leadership.

The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs also commended President Museveni and the CDF for creating a force that is respected internationally and for staging events that keep sharpening combat readiness.

He described drill as the essential foundation of discipline, teamwork, instant obedience and endurance, adding that the precision shown on the parade ground carries directly into battlefield performance, homeland defence and peace-support operations.

On civil-military relations, the Minister noted that public (wanainchi) respect depends on clear displays of discipline and unity.

He restated the UPDF’s core values—Patriotism, Discipline, Pan-Africanism and Professionalism—as key safeguards against betrayal.

Chief Judge Lt Gen (Rtd) Nakibus Lakara confirmed that the same fair and uniform scoring criteria had been applied consistently during the assessments.

Implementation Committee Chairman Maj Gen Wycliffe Keita, who is also Chief of UPDF Training and Doctrine, thanked the CDF and repeated that practice on the parade square strengthens combat readiness on the battlefield.

The occasion was attended by 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 public.