Drill Teams Celebrated At CDF Inter-Forces Luncheon

Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Sam Okiding, hosted a ceremonial luncheon at the Land Force Headquarters in Bombo to honour participants in the inaugural Inter-Forces CDF Drill Competition.

The event followed the highly successful competition held on 13 May at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, where various formations and specialised units of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) demonstrated exceptional skill and discipline.

Lt Gen Okiding praised the participants for their performance, describing the contest as “tightly contested” due to the high levels of precision and discipline on display. He extended special commendation to the Implementation Committee, whose dedication and guidance were instrumental in preparing the teams. “We deeply appreciate the wealth of experience and commitment provided to the participants. The performance was extraordinary, entertaining, and a true display of excellence,” said Lt Gen Okiding.

He further encouraged teams that did not win awards to strengthen their efforts for future competitions, highlighting the importance of continued improvement.

Brigadier General Wycliff Keita, Joint Staff Training and Doctrine (JS TRADOC) officer and Chair of the Implementation Committee, applauded the leadership of General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces, for initiating the competition.
He noted the event’s impact, stating that the initiative, a first in the UPDF, has significantly enhanced discipline, cohesion, and effective command and control across the military.

The luncheon was attended by senior UPDF officials, including Brig Gen Chris Bagonza (Chief of Staff Land Force), Brig Gen Saad Katemba (Director of Training and Doctrine Land Force), and Brig Gen Edward Mutawe (Director of Human Resource Management Land Force).