The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Motorized Infantry Division has carried out a 30-kilometre route march across parts of Nakasongola District as part of efforts to enhance troops’ physical fitness, discipline, and operational readiness.
The exercise, codenamed “Open Vein,” brought together personnel from the division headquarters, attached units within the cantonment, and officers from the district traffic police.
The route march is aligned with UPDF leadership’s broader strategy to test and improve troops’ endurance, teamwork, resilience, combat readiness, and overall preparedness for future operations.
Addressing the troops at the division headquarters, Charles Byanyima, Commander of the Motorized Infantry Division, emphasized that the exercise should not be viewed as punishment, but rather as a vital assessment of health, endurance, teamwork, and readiness.
“This exercise has demonstrated our physical endurance, discipline, teamwork and operational readiness under load. This is in line with the constitutional mandate of protecting people’s lives and property, and the sovereignty of our country,” he said.
Maj Gen Byanyima added that beyond physical conditioning, the march also strengthens unity and cohesion among troops—key elements for effective military operations.
The annual 30-kilometre route march is part of the division’s scheduled activities and is conducted across ranks on a rotational basis among tactical formations.
The exercise was attended by several security officials, including Col Esibio Omaria, the Division’s Operations and Training Officer; Steven Niragire; ASP Emmanuel Manirakiza, the District Police OC Operations; and other military personnel.
