The Special Forces Command (SFC) has emerged as the overall winner of the second edition of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Inter-Forces Drill Competition, held at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala.
The competition brought together personnel from various formations and services of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF). They competed in foot drill, arm drill, sword, pace stick and crop stick, among others.
The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, who was the chief guest, said military drill goes beyond marching. He described it as a foundation for discipline that instils obedience, teamwork, alertness, pride in service and endurance among 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,” Kiryowa said.
He observed that the high standards demonstrated by the participating units reflected the UPDF’s continued commitment to combat readiness and professionalism.
Kiryowa recognised the efforts of the instructors and company commanders who prepared the teams for the competition.
He said although competitions produce winners and runners-up, excellence in military discipline benefits the entire 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.
The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, in a message delivered by the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, said military drill is a key part of training that instils discipline and a prompt response to commands.
“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 challenged the organisers and participants to raise the standards in next year’s competition.
“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.”
The chief judge, Lt Gen (Rtd) Nakibus Lakara, said the teams were assessed using the same approved criteria. The judges focused on discipline, turnout, bearing, precision, timing, coordination, execution of movements, commands, teamwork and overall ceremonial performance.
The competition attracted teams from the Directorate of Women Affairs, Joint Staff Headquarters Brigade Group, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Infantry Divisions, Mountain Division, Motorised Infantry Division, Artillery Division, Armoured Division, 15 Marine Brigade, Engineers Brigade, Air Force, Special Forces Command and Military Police Brigade.
SFC Alpha also claimed the Best Sword Team title, while the 3rd Infantry Division finished as the overall runner-up.
In the specialised categories, the 5th Infantry Division won the Best Crop Stick Team award, while the 3rd Infantry Division took the Best Pace Stick Team award. The Directorate of Women Affairs (DIWA) was named the Best Cane Stick Team.
The event was attended by the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs in charge of Veteran Affairs, Dr Huda Abason Oleru; the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs in charge of Defence, Akifeza Ngabirano; Chief of Joint Staff Lt Gen Jack Bakasumba; Under Secretary for Finance and Administration at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs Edith Butuuro; Patriotic League of Uganda Secretary General 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.
