The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has commended members of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and sister security agencies for delivering a “brilliant parade” during the 63rd Independence Day celebrations held at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
Gen. Muhoozi made the remarks during a luncheon at the Special Forces Command (SFC) Headquarters in Entebbe, hosted in honour of the parade participants. He praised their discipline, teamwork, and precision, noting that the forces’ performance has steadily improved over the years. Several ambassadors and government officials had also lauded the impressive display.
“The drills are getting sharper, your turnout is getting better, and the music is improving. Military drills are a mirror of the army’s overall readiness and professionalism,” Gen. Muhoozi said.
While commending the participants, the CDF encouraged continued improvement in specific areas, including the military band, to achieve even higher standards in upcoming national events.
“I expect to see an improvement in the Liberation Day and Tarehe Sita parades,” he added.
Maj. Gen. David Mugisha, Commander of the SFC, expressed gratitude and pledged loyalty to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his enduring leadership, which continues to inspire service among Uganda’s security forces. He praised the parade participants for carrying the nation’s flag with professionalism, patriotism, and precision.
“Your participation was not just ceremonial, but symbolized our continued vigilance and commitment to safeguarding the independence that our forefathers fought for, ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity for future generations,” Maj. Gen. Mugisha said.
Maj. Gen. James Kinalwa, head of UPDF Joint Staff Human Resource Management, credited the CDF for transforming the standard of national military parades since May 2024. He noted that these improvements have made parades more comfortable for participants and more engaging for the public.
“The parade has become a display of discipline, teamwork, and pride across all services and inspired enthusiasm among officers who even sometimes request to take part,” Maj. Gen. Kinalwa remarked.
Col. Adnan Kaale, parade commander and Chief Instructor at the Junior Staff College in Jinja, also praised the CDF for his mentorship and hands-on guidance from rehearsal stages in Bombo to the final display in Kololo. He described Gen. Muhoozi as the “compass and true north” of the troops, motivating them to maintain discipline, teamwork, and excellence.
“When the CDF congratulated us and called it a brilliant parade, the troops were overjoyed,” Col. Kaale said.
The Independence Day luncheon was attended by Brig. Gen. Wycliffe Keita, Head of Joint Staff Training and Doctrine, alongside senior and junior officers of the UPDF and parade participants from all sister security services.
The 63rd Independence Day celebrations, held under the theme “Sustaining Unity, Peace and Security for Social and Economic Transformation,” featured a colourful military parade, cultural performances, and fly-pasts by the UPDF Air Force, highlighting Uganda’s journey since attaining independence in 1962.
