UPDF to hold second Interforces Drill Competition at Kololo

19 August 2026, 6:12 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) will hold the second edition of the Chief of the Defence Forces Interforces Drill Competition at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds from August 22nd to 25th, 2026.

The announcement was made by the Deputy Defence Public Information Officer, Colonel Henry Obbo, during a media briefing at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala.

The competition will be held under the theme, “Precision, Discipline and Cohesion: Pillars of National Resilience and Transformation.”

Obbo said the competition builds on the success of the inaugural edition held in May 2025, which attracted 16 teams, with the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) emerging as the overall winner.

This year’s edition will feature more than 40 teams and over 1,400 participants drawn from different UPDF branches and services.

Participants, including junior, senior and warrant officers as well as other ranks, will compete in sword and crop-stick drills, pace sticks, cane sticks and foot drills.

The competition will also introduce creative elements including theme-based drills, formation changes, synchronised displays, music, storytelling and dance.

Obbo said the event is intended to promote discipline, precision, teamwork, creativity and cooperation among UPDF personnel while showcasing the Force’s military traditions and Ugandan cultural heritage.

The grand finale on August 25th will be officiated by the Chief of Defence Forces and Special Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

Awards will be presented for the best drill team, best drill commander, as well as special recognition for innovation and cultural integration.

The UPDF has invited members of the public and the media to attend and support the competition.