The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has announced a commitment to significantly improve the welfare of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) personnel.
Speaking at the inaugural CDF Inter-Forces Drill Competitions held at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on Tuesday, Gen Kainerugaba assured that the leadership’s promises would be backed by tangible actions aimed at transforming the army into a modern and professional force.
He outlined a comprehensive agenda encompassing 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 stated.
The CDF also emphasized the critical importance of elevating the standards of professional military education across all ranks. He noted that enhancing training for both recruits and non-commissioned officers is a key element in developing a competent and modern military.
“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 remarks come at a time when other security forces, including the police and prisons services, have long faced challenges related to inadequate housing, low salaries, and poor living conditions. Addressing these issues within the UPDF, he asserted, is crucial for bolstering morale, discipline, and operational efficiency.
Drill Competitions Showcase Excellence
The inaugural CDF Inter-Forces Drill Competitions marked a historic event for the UPDF, bringing together soldiers in a dynamic display of precision, teamwork, and discipline.
Gen Kainerugaba commended all participants for their performance and advocated for the continuation of such competitions as an integral part of the force’s culture.
“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 further noted that military drills are a globally recognized standard among leading armies worldwide, including those of Britain, China, Russia, India, and Pakistan, and that the UPDF must strive to meet these standards.
“We must continually improve our drills so that we may be counted among the best militaries in the world,” Gen Kainerugaba affirmed.
The CDF explained that opening the event to the public was a deliberate effort to foster awareness and appreciation for the discipline and structure inherent in military parades.
A New Era of Excellence
Gen Kainerugaba characterized the competition as symbolic of a new era for the UPDF, one characterized 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 garnered international attention, with defence advisors and military attachés from countries such as Russia, China, Rwanda, Egypt, and Ethiopia in attendance.
Notable Ugandan 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, along with several members of the NRM Central Executive Committee.
