Fort Portal City, Kabarole District: The Commander Land Force, Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, officially kicked off the 16th Edition of the CDF (Chief of Defence Forces) Cup Tournament today.
Hosted by the Mountain Division, the two-week competition will see 19 formations and units of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) compete in football and netball.
Lt Gen Muhanga highlighted the essential role of physical fitness in preparing soldiers for the rigours of military life, urging young people to prioritise regular exercise for better health. “I have seen so many young people below 25 years failing to join the army because they are physically unfit. I encourage you to do physical exercises to stay healthy,” he remarked, stressing that fitness is a key requirement for army recruitment.
Maj Gen Richard Otto, Commander of the Mountain Infantry Division and Operation Shujaa, acknowledged the pivotal contributions of President and Commander-in-Chief H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the event organisers, and the UPDF for making the event a success. He also extended his gratitude to the local community for their ongoing support.
Brig Gen Richard Karemire, the Joint Staff Formal Education, Sports, and Culture (JS FESC), outlined the objectives of the CDF Cup as fostering physical and mental wellness, discipline, and teamwork within the UPDF. He further noted that the tournament aims to nurture sports talent within the forces, promote professionalism, and strengthen civil-military relations.
Hon Linda Irene, Woman Member of Parliament for Fort Portal City, praised the UPDF for selecting the region to host the tournament and called on the Chief Guest to support improving local sports facilities.
The tournament, themed “Enhancing a culture of physical fitness and esprit de corps in UPDF through sports,” kicked off with thrilling matches. In football, the Mountain Division claimed a 1-0 victory over the Marine Brigade, while in netball, they dominated Magamaga with a 61-05 win.
The event saw the attendance of high-ranking military personnel, including Brig Gen Paul Muhanguzi, Commander of 2 Division; Col Joseph Freddy Onata, Wazalendo CEO; Col Paul Muwonge, Deputy Mountain Division Commander; Festus Bandeba, RDC Kabarole District, along with other senior and junior officers, militants, and local leaders.
