The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has pledged a comprehensive improvement in the welfare of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) personnel.
The CDF is promising that the leadership’s words will be matched with visible action aimed at transforming the army into a modern and professional force.
While presiding over the inaugural CDF Inter-Forces Drill Competitions at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on Tuesday, Gen Kainerugaba outlined a broad agenda that includes better accommodation, healthcare, feeding, transport, education, and logistical support for soldiers and their families.
“In UPDF, our words as commanders and leaders will match our actions and deeds. We are already working hard to improve soldiers’ welfare across the board, where they sleep, where they work, how they feed, how they access medical care, how they dress, how they move, and how their children access education services,” Gen Kainerugaba said.
The military chief also stressed the importance of raising the standards of professional military education at all levels, noting that improving training for recruits and non-commissioned officers is a central component of building a competent and modern force.
“Within the UPDF, we are now paying great attention to the quality of professional military education of our officers and men — from the most basic level of recruit training to the ranks of non-commissioned officers,” he added.
Gen Kainerugaba’s comments come at a time when security forces, including the police and prisons, have long grappled with challenges such as poor housing, meagre salaries, and substandard living conditions.
Addressing these concerns, he said, is essential for strengthening morale, discipline, and operational efficiency across the UPDF.
Drill Competitions Showcase Excellence
The CDF Inter-Forces Drill Competitions, the first of their kind in UPDF history, brought together soldiers in a spirited display of precision, teamwork, and discipline.
Gen Kainerugaba praised all participants for their performance and encouraged the continuation of such competitions as a culture within the force.
“I want to believe that just like me, all of you enjoyed the performances that were presented. This great spectacle has showcased some of the best that UPDF has to offer: precision, teamwork, and skills. You all did well. Congratulations to everyone of you,” he said.
He added that military drills are a global standard, commonly observed among world-class armies, including those of Britain, China, Russia, India, and Pakistan. UPDF, he said, must strive to meet that bar.
“We must continually improve our drills so that we may be counted among the best militaries in the world,” Gen Kainerugaba stated.
The general noted that opening the event to members of the public was a deliberate move to create awareness and appreciation for the discipline and structure behind military parades.
A New Era of Excellence
Gen Kainerugaba described the competition as symbolic of a new era for the UPDF, one driven by precision, attention to detail, time management, and teamwork.
“The outcome of these drill competitions will reinvigorate true discipline, self-control, and pride in the uniform, not just for the UPDF, but for Uganda as a whole. I encourage commanders to rotate participants in future drill competitions so that all units benefit from this culture,” he remarked.
“A new era has dawned for the UPDF. We will pursue excellence in all fields, without exception. This is a small demonstration of the excellence we are pursuing in many fields.”
Attendees and International Participation
The event attracted international interest, with defence advisors and military attachés from countries including Russia, China, Rwanda, Egypt, and Ethiopia in attendance.
Notable attendees included Minister of State for Children and Youth Affairs Balaam Barugahara, Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees Lillian Aber, and the NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, alongside several members of the NRM Central Executive Committee.
