The Special Forces Command (SFC) has been declared the overall champion of the second Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Inter-Forces Drill Competition, which took place at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala.

The event featured personnel drawn from different formations and services of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF).

Competitors took part in foot drill, arm drill, sword, pace and crop stick exercises, among other categories.

Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, who served as chief guest, emphasised that military drill is more than just marching.

He described it as the basis for discipline that builds obedience, teamwork, alertness, pride in service and endurance in soldiers.

“When we drill, we learn to listen intently, obey instantly and correctly, work as one body and not as individuals, and maintain smartness and endurance even under pressure. An army that cannot drill cannot fight,” Hon. Kiryowa stated.

He noted that the strong performance shown by the participating units demonstrated the UPDF’s ongoing dedication to combat readiness and professionalism.

Hon. Kiryowa also acknowledged the work of the instructors and company commanders who trained the teams for the competition.

He pointed out that while competitions create winners and runners-up, excellence in military discipline benefits the whole force.

“In a competition there will be winners and runners-up, and even losers at times. But in discipline, in these drills, we are all winners. The UPDF as a whole wins when our drills are excellent,” he said.

Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, whose message was delivered by Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Sam Okiding, stressed that military drill forms an essential part of training that develops discipline and rapid response to orders.

“Military drill is far more than the precise and choreographed movement of troops on parade. It is a fundamental part of military training that instils discipline, sharpens attention to detail and strengthens coordination, cooperation and teamwork.”

Gen Kainerugaba urged organisers and competitors to aim even higher for next year’s event.

“We must not become complacent. We must continuously learn, address areas for improvement, and prepare for an even more impressive Third Edition next year. Every edition must set a higher standard than the one before it.”

Chief Judge Lt Gen (Rtd) Nakibus Lakara explained that all teams were judged using the same approved standards. The focus was on discipline, turnout, bearing, precision, timing, coordination, execution of movements, commands, teamwork and overall ceremonial performance.

Teams taking part came from the Directorate of Women Affairs, Joint Staff Headquarters Brigade Group, 1, 2, 3 and 4 Infantry Divisions, Mountain Division, Motorised Infantry Division, Artillery Division, Armoured Division, 15 Marine Brigade, Engineers Brigade, Air Force, Special Command and Military Police Brigade.SFC Alpha also secured the Best Sword Team award, while the 3 Infantry Division finished as overall runner-up.

In the specialised categories, the 5 Infantry Division earned Best Crop-Stick Team, the 3 Infantry Division took Best Pace Stick Team, and the Directorate of Women Affairs (DIWA) was recognised as Best Cane Stick Team.

Those present at the event included Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Veteran Affairs) Hon. Dr. Huda Abason Oleru; Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Defence) Hon. Akifeza Ngabirano; Chief of Joint Staff Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba; Under Secretary for Finance and Administration at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs Mrs. Edith Butuuro; General Secretary of the Patriotic League of Uganda Hon. Fadil Twalla; the Commissioner General of Prisons; the Inspector General of Police; UPDF service commanders; senior and general officers; religious and political leaders; and members of the public.