By Leilah Bbaale
The 16th edition of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Cup of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) commenced on Tuesday at Buhinga Stadium in Fort Portal City. The tournament, held under the theme “Enhancing a culture of physical fitness and esprit de corps in UPDF through sport,” is hosted by the Mountain Division. It will run for two weeks, from September 17 to 27, featuring 19 UPDF formations and units competing in football and netball.
While officially opening the tournament, Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, the Commander of Land Forces, emphasized the importance of physical fitness in preparing soldiers for the demands of military life. He encouraged young people to incorporate regular exercise into their routines to improve overall health. Lt. Gen. Muhanga noted that physical fitness not only prepares soldiers physically but also contributes to their mental well-being, helping to reduce stress and anxiety and prevent various diseases.
Brig. Gen. Richard Karemire, Joint Staff Formal Education, Sports, and Culture (JS FESC), outlined the objectives of the CDF Cup, which include promoting physical and mental wellness, discipline, and teamwork within the UPDF. Additionally, the tournament aims to nurture sports talent within the forces, foster professionalism, and strengthen civil-military relations.
The participating teams in this edition of the CDF Cup include 1 Infantry Division, 2 Infantry Division, 3 Infantry Division, 4 Infantry Division, 5 Infantry Division, Mountains Division, Field Artillery Division, Armoured Division, Motorised Infantry Division, Air Force, Magamaga Cantonment, Special Forces Command (SFC), Military Police, Kabamba Cantonment, Marines Brigade, Chieftaincy of Defence Intelligence and Security (CDIS), Jinja Cantonment, Bombo General Headquarters, and Engineers Brigade.
The tournament fosters a spirit of camaraderie among the UPDF members while encouraging physical fitness and mental resilience.
