UPDF’S 1,400-MAN DRILL SHOWDOWN! CDF Interforces Battle Returns to Kololo
By Evans Najuna
KAMPALA: The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) is gearing up for another explosive battle of military precision as more than 1,400 troops descend on Kololo Ceremonial Grounds for the second edition of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Interforces Drill Competition.
The four-day military spectacle runs from August 22 to 25, 2026, bringing together more than 40 teams drawn from different UPDF branches, services and units.
This year’s competition is being staged under the theme: “Precision, Discipline and Cohesion: Pillars of National Resilience and Transformation.”
According to UPDF Deputy Defence Public Information Officer Col.Henry Obbo, the contest is designed to test and sharpen discipline, teamwork, coordination and military precision while strengthening unity across the Force.
Obbo revealed the details Tuesday, August 18, during a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala.
The competition is a major expansion of the inaugural edition held in May 2025, which attracted 16 teams and saw the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) emerge as the overall winner.
This time, the military has dramatically raised the stakes, with junior and senior officers, warrant officers and other ranks expected to battle it out in a variety of traditional and modern drill disciplines.
The troops will showcase their mastery of sword and crop-stick drills, pace sticks, cane sticks and foot drills, putting their discipline, coordination and precision to the ultimate test.
But organisers are promising more than the traditional military formations.
For the first time, the competition will feature freestyle drill displays, with the top five teams expected to blend military traditions with Uganda’s rich cultural heritage.
Teams will be judged on creative routines featuring theme-based drills, formation changes, synchronised displays, music integration, storytelling and dance.
The UPDF says the new innovations are intended to push personnel beyond routine military formations and encourage excellence, precision, creativity, ingenuity, teamwork and esprit de corps.
The competition will also provide a platform for the Force to showcase its traditions, values and military heritage while strengthening cooperation and camaraderie among its different branches and units.
And all roads will lead to Kololo on August 25 for the grand finale, which will be officiated by the Chief of Defence Forces and Special Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Top performers will walk away with awards in categories including Best Drill Team and Best Drill Commander, while special recognition will be given to teams that demonstrate exceptional innovation and cultural integration.
The UPDF has thrown the doors open to members of the public and the media, inviting Ugandans to turn up and witness the spectacle.
According to the organisers, the event is not merely about soldiers marching in perfect formation.
It is also intended to celebrate national pride, sovereignty, military heritage and the UPDF’s commitment to serving Ugandans.
With more than 40 teams, 1,400 personnel and four days of intense competition, the second CDF Interforces Drill Competition is shaping up to be a massive military showdown — with Kololo set to become the stage where discipline, precision, creativity and military swagger collide.
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