Special Forces Command (SFC) Alpha has won the 2026 Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Interforce Competition, taking home a Shs50 million prize after emerging top among 18 UPDF teams. The competition, held at Kololo Independence Grounds on Wednesday, August 26, was organised to promote excellence, unity, teamwork and military discipline across the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). The 3 Infantry Division, based in Moroto District, finished as runners-up and received Shs15 million.
The competition featured 18 teams in the initial stages, with six advancing to the grand finale after three stages involving preparation at the respective units, eliminations, and the final contest. Lieutenant General James Nakibus Lakara, the chief judge, announced SFC Alpha as the overall winner and later presented awards to units that excelled in specific drills.
SFC emerged as the best swords team, while 3 Infantry Division won the best cane-stick team and best foot-drill awards. The 5 Infantry Division, based in Pader, was recognised as the best crop-stick team. Lieutenant General Sam Okiding represented CDF Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba at the event, while Defence and Veteran Affairs Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka was the chief guest.
Major General Wycliff Keita, chairperson of the competition’s implementation committee, said the drills were intended to go beyond ceremonial parading by strengthening discipline, precision, teamwork and attention to detail among soldiers. He said the competition was part of the CDF’s broader challenge to the force to make excellence a culture within the UPDF.
Deputy CDF Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding said the competition, whose first edition was held last year, had demonstrated the value of military drills in sharpening soldiers’ skills and strengthening teamwork. “May last year marked the first edition of the competition, and the drills are more than just a parade but an exercise that enables them to operate and be active in the force. This sharpens their attention to detail and strengthens teamwork,” Okiding said.
He said the UPDF’s role extends beyond military operations to supporting government strategic objectives, including infrastructure development, and commended the competition for adding value to the force. Okiding said organisers would use lessons from this year’s competition to improve the next edition, including introducing parade boots with metal plates to enhance the precision and presentation of drills.
Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka described the competition as a celebration of excellence and military discipline, saying military drills remain essential to combat readiness. “An army that does not drill does not fight,” Kiwanuka said, while commending all the participating teams for demonstrating high standards.
He encouraged units that did not win trophies to train harder ahead of the next competition, saying excellence in drills ultimately strengthens the entire UPDF. The minister also thanked President Yoweri Museveni and CDF Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba for their role in strengthening the army and positioning the UPDF for greater recognition internationally-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
