In a renewed push to enhance operational readiness, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has launched a program of mandatory long-distance route marches for all its divisions. 

The initiative kicked off yesterday with a 30-kilometer march conducted by the 1st Infantry Division. The UPDF 1 division is commanded by Brig Gen Fred Mwesigye and is headquartered at Kakiri, Wakiso district and is responsible for the peace and security of the greater Kampala region. The division is always is the first back up force to the Uganda Police and sister security forces, ensuring tranquility in Kampala and surrounding areas. Notably, the drills come amidst the 2026 election campaigns that sometimes attract criminal activities by a section of rowdy individuals. 

The route match follows a radio message directive from the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba who has emphasized the critical need for peak physical fitness and combat  readiness across all units. The monthly marches will be conducted on a rotational basis, ensuring every division maintains the highest standards of endurance and discipline.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy by the CDF to bolster combat preparedness. This effort compares to other well-known initiatives such as the recently introduced CDF’s Inter-Forces Drill Competition and the CDF’s Cup, collectively reinforcing the UPDF’s capacity to respond at a moment’s notice.

Speaking to this publication, the Director of Defence Public Information
Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye confirmed that while route marches are standard practice at the divisional level, the CDF has directed they now be elevated to a coordinated, nationwide program. He emphasized that such marches are a global military tradition essential for maintaining peak physical fitness, building esprit de corps, and sustaining high morale.

Major Charles Kabona, the UPDF First Division Spokesman, explained that the soldiers conducted a 30-kilometer round-trip route march from Kakiri Barracks to St. Joseph’s Primary School near Wakiso town and back to their barracks. 

He said that hundreds of participating soldiers demonstrated key military traits, including exceptional endurance while carrying their guns, seamless teamwork, and discipline as they moved in precise formation.

Major Kabona added that the march served as a clear indicator of the unit’s high physical fitness and the strong cohesion within the force, fulfilling all the planned goals for the exercise.