The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) 3 Infantry Division and the Uganda Police Force conducted a joint 25-kilometre route march in Moroto District aimed at enhancing physical fitness, discipline, teamwork, and operational readiness among security personnel.
The Commander 3 Infantry Division, Major General Wilberforce Sserunkuma, said the exercise was designed to assess the personnel’s health, discipline, physical endurance, mental resilience, leadership, team cohesion, equipment readiness, and overall operational preparedness.
He emphasised that route marches are not intended to punish soldiers but rather to strengthen their physical and mental fitness.
“This route march is not meant to punish you but to keep you physically and mentally fit. It is part of our routine training activities, and I urge you to remain resilient and battle-ready at all times,” he said.
Maj Gen Serunkuma thanked the Uganda Police Force for responding positively to the initiative and mobilising personnel to participate in the exercise.
“We should develop a culture of conducting joint activities and celebrations as one family with a common mission of safeguarding the region,” he said.
The Deputy Division Commander, Brigadier General Allan Kyangungu, praised the participants for their determination and commitment.
“What I witnessed this morning reflects the heartbeat of a resilient, disciplined and battle-ready force. When leaders are fit, their units remain fit. We do not train for comfort; we train for victory,” he said.
The Police spokesperson for the Karamoja Sub-region, Inspector Michael Longole, said the exercise was important in improving physical fitness and strengthening teamwork among security personnel.
The exercise was attended by several military and police commanders, including the Commander of 106 Artillery Brigade, Col JP Ochen; the Moroto District Police Commander, SP Henry Abaho; the Commandant of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), ACP Francis Chemusto; Deputy Commandant ASTU, SSP Ezra Tugume; Deputy Regional Police Commander for Mt Moroto Region, SSP George Obia; and other ASTU and territorial police personnel.
