The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces today launched the first-ever Chief of Defence Forces Inter-Forces Drill Competition at the Land Forces Headquarters in Bombo. The event, now part of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) annual calendar, aims to enhance discipline, teamwork, and professionalism within the forces.
Presiding over the launch, the Deputy CDF Lt Gen Sam Okiding, who represented the Chief of Defence Forces, commended the initiative as a strategic move to keep the military active during peacetime.
“Uganda has been fully pacified through the tireless efforts of the National Resistance Army (NRA) guerrilla struggle, and now we are at peace,” Lt Gen Okiding stated.
“It is, therefore, prudent that the army trains harder during peacetime to consolidate and maintain what our fore-fighters established. This will keep the forces active, fit, and disciplined in all aspects of military work.”
Quoting Proverbs 9:9, he emphasised the value of continuous training: “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.”
He further urged the trained officers to pass on the knowledge acquired to their respective formations as they prepare for the final competition.
Brig Gen Wycliffe Keita, the Chairperson of the Implementation Committee, highlighted that the competition embodies the UPDF’s core values of excellence, discipline, and teamwork.
He revealed that the participants were drawn from the formations and units of all UPDF services.
The competition involves a comprehensive training program designed to enhance leadership and drill skills among senior officers, junior officers, and non-commissioned officers.
Brig Gen Keita emphasised that this training would weave together the diverse strengths of the UPDF, forming a “rich tapestry that showcases the unique mosaic of our identity as a disciplined and professional force.”
The launch event featured impressive drill demonstrations, highlighting the discipline and precision of the participants.
The showcase included Sword Drill movements such as standing at attention, saluting, drawing swords, and marching.
The Crop Stick Drill demonstrated saluting, turning, and changing the crop stick in various positions, while the Cane Stick Drill involved executing movements both stationary and in motion.
Additionally, the Foot Drill displayed basic military manoeuvres, including marching, saluting, and executing turns.
The event featured a captivating performance by the UPDF band, showcasing musical discipline and coordination.
Present at the launch was: the Commander Land Force, Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga; Service Chiefs of Staff, Joint Staff, Generals, and Senior and Junior Officers of the UPDF.
