The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Artillery Division has intensified efforts to enhance troop preparedness after conducting a 20-kilometre route march aimed at strengthening combat readiness, physical fitness and teamwork among soldiers.
The exercise, which brought together personnel from the Artillery Division, the Ground-Based Air Defence (GBAD) and the Army Aviation Command (AAC), was the second such march organized by the division as part of ongoing military preparedness programmes.
Led by the Commander of the Artillery Division, Major General Daniel Kakono, the march tested the endurance of troops while promoting cohesion and resilience within the forces.
Addressing soldiers after the exercise, Maj Gen Kakono emphasized the importance of physical training in maintaining an effective and professional military.
He noted that physical exercise plays a critical role in preserving life, enhancing operational readiness and developing leadership qualities among officers and soldiers.
The commander also linked the march to Uganda’s liberation history, saying it served as a reminder of the long and demanding foot marches undertaken by National Resistance Army (NRA) fighters during the bush war.
According to him, such activities help instill the spirit of sacrifice, determination and patriotism that contributed to the country’s liberation.
Maj Gen Kakono urged troops to remain disciplined and vigilant, describing discipline as the foundation of a professional fighting force.
He called on soldiers to stay focused on the values and standards that define the UPDF as it continues to respond to evolving security challenges.
Beyond military duties, the commander encouraged officers and soldiers to embrace a culture of saving through the Wazalendo Savings and Credit Cooperative Society and to invest in income-generating ventures to improve their financial well-being.
The route march forms part of the UPDF’s continuous combat readiness training programme, which is conducted across various formations to ensure personnel remain physically fit, mission-ready and capable of responding effectively to emerging security threats.
