Africa-Press – Uganda. The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) displayed exceptional skill, discipline, and unity during the 17th Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Cup in Masaka, with competitions in shooting, football, and netball highlighting both operational readiness and camaraderie within the force.
The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, praised the UPDF for their exceptional discipline, teamwork, and precision during the two-week event, which concluded successfully at Masaka Senior Secondary School on Friday.
The competitions, which included range shooting, football, and netball, aimed to enhance combat readiness while fostering esprit de corps among troops.
The Special Forces Command (SFC) football team emerged victorious, defeating 3 Division in a tightly contested final to claim the coveted trophy.
Gen Muhoozi emphasized the broader significance of the games:
“What we have seen here has been far more than simple games; it has been a powerful demonstration of our military ethos in action. At the range ground, we could see a demonstration of impeccable skill, calmness under pressure, and absolute mastery of your tools of trade.”
The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (DCDF), Lt Gen Sam Okiding, lauded the CDF for his commitment to fostering cohesion within the force, describing him as “a true team player.”
He also highlighted the operational readiness demonstrated during the competitions:
“The precision witnessed on the shooting range demonstrated that if these games were an operation against a rebel group, only a coward would have survived by running away.”
Maj Gen Deus Sande, Commander of the Host Division, thanked the CDF for honoring both the UPDF and the people of Masaka with his presence.
Brig Gen Richard Karemire, overseeing Joint Staff, Formal Education, Sports and Culture, credited the CDF’s support for the successful execution of the games, noting that the event had achieved its objective of blending training with esprit de corps.
Gen Muhoozi congratulated all participants and organizers, reaffirming the inclusive spirit of the UPDF:
“In the UPDF, there are no losers. The lessons of discipline, precision, and camaraderie that you have demonstrated here should be carried forward into your daily service to the nation.”
The CDF Cup remains one of the UPDF’s flagship sporting and skills-development events, providing an avenue for troops to sharpen readiness while reinforcing unity across formations and services.
The closing ceremony was attended by top military and civilian leaders, division commanders, service chiefs, senior UPDF officers, and Vice President Emeritus Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi.
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