UPDF to start Physical Fitness Tests for serving Officers

UPDF to start Physical Fitness Tests for serving Officers


The Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, Gen Edward Katumba Wamala has said the UPDF will start conducting annual physical fitness tests for all its personnel, effective March 2017.

“Starting from next year March, we are going to do Individual and unit fitness tests. It’s a must for every serving Officer and Militant to pass the test,” he said adding that “The tests will form part of the criteria for retirement or discharge.”

Gen Wamala encouraged the UPDF sportsmen and women to keep fit for these tests and also professionally help other soldiers to keep physically fit.

Gen Katumba Wamala said this while receiving donations of six trophies and soccer uniforms for eighteen UPDF teams that will participate in the 2016 Chief of Defence Forces’ Cup due on December 12 – 20, 2016 at UPDF 3rd Division in Mbale.

The donations were handed over at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters in Mbuya, by the Chief Executive Officer of WSACCO, Col Simon Ocan and City Tyre’s Mr. Hebert Bashaha on behalf of Mr Hajj Umar Mandela who is out of the country.

Gen Wamala noted that sports is important in keeping the forces alert and physically fit for other duties.

He further said the armed forces had been the power house that earlier produced the best players in Uganda but had been affected by a series of security challenges that kept them busy.

“Now that we have moved ahead of that and the country is now peaceful, we can have our Officers and militants engage in more sports to keep fit,” he said, before also donating two bulls and three goats for the best performing teams in the forthcoming tournament.

Col Ocan said as part of cooperate social responsibility, WSACCO does not only sponsor sports activities, but also mass weddings in the army and subscription of Satellite Television for selected UPDF units.

“In this way, we say thank you for doing business with us.” Col Ocan said.

Mr Bashaha noted that City Tyres would continue supporting all UPDF sports activities whenever called upon and other sports activities in the country.

The CDF Cup is an annual championship between all UPDF units that is hosted on a rotational basis. This year the 3rd Division will host the championships. In 2014 and 2015, the trophy was won by General headquarter and retained the trophy.

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