CDF assessment of independence day parade
Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
By Our reporter
ENTEBBE – The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has hailed security agencies for successful the 63rd Independence Day celebrations parade at Kololo, an exercise he described as “brilliant parade”.
“The drills are getting sharper, your turnout is getting better, and the music is improving,” he said, adding that military drills reflect the army’s overall preparedness.
Gen Kainerugaba made these remarks Monday October 20th, 2025 at the Special Forces Command (SFC) Headquarters in Entebbe where he hosted a luncheon for parade participants.
The CDF expressed gratitude to the parade participants for their discipline, teamwork, and precision, noting that the forces’ performance has improved steadily each year. He revealed that several ambassadors and government officials had commended the impressive display.
He however implored the participants to embrace continued improvement in a few areas including the band so as to produce much better results in the subsequent parades.
“I expect to see an improvement in the Liberation Day and Tarehe Sita parades,” he said.
Maj Gen David Mugisha, the SFC Commander, expressed gratitude and pledged loyalty to the President of Uganda for his enduring commitment that has continued to inspire service among the Forces.
“Let us renew our pledge to uphold the values of loyalty, discipline and sacrifice, the values that define the UPDF and other sister security agencies and ensure Uganda’s continued peace and development,” he said.
He also appreciated the CDF for his smooth leadership and mentorship of the UPDF in steering and achieving excellence.
“Thank you for your smooth and clear leadership, mentorship and tireless efforts in steering the Uganda People’s Defense Forces and the Special Forces Command in particular towards achieving excellence, professionalism and operational readiness,” he appreciated.
He noted that the CDF’s decision to host the parade participants to a luncheon is a true reflection of his deep appreciation for the dedication and sacrifices of the troops.
“We thank you, sir, for spending time amidst your busy schedule to be with us here today and grace this occasion and we can’t take it for granted,” he noted.
He praised the parade participants for their unmatched discipline, precision and patriotism that embodied the true spirit of the UPDF and other sister security agencies.
“You carried the flag of our nation high and showcased professionalism that defines UPDF. Your participation was not just ceremonial, but symbolized our continued vigilance and commitment to safeguarding the independence that our forefathers fought for and to ensuring peace, stability and prosperity for future generations,” he praised.
Maj Gen Mugisha highlighted that this celebration is a reminder that every effort made contributes to the greater mission of safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Uganda.
The UPDF Joint Staff Human Resource Management, Maj Gen James Kinalwa, hailed the CDF for his transformative leadership that has elevated the standard of national military parades.
Maj Gen Kinalwa expressed gratitude for the invitation extended to parade participants from the UPDF, Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Service, and Uganda Wildlife Authority.
He attributed the success of the parade to the CDF’s guidance since May 2024, noting that this has revolutionized parade displays, making them more comfortable for participants and more entertaining 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,” he noted.
The parade commander, Col Adnan Kaale, who also serves as the Chief Instructor at the Junior Staff College, Jinja, applauded the CDF for his exceptional leadership, mentorship, and continuous guidance that led to the success of the Independence Day parade.
Col Kaale thanked the CDF for personally following up on the parade’s progress from rehearsals in Bombo to the final display.
He described the CDF as the “compass and true north” of the troops, noting that his motivation and consistent communication inspired discipline, teamwork, and excellence among participants.
“When the CDF congratulated us and called it a brilliant parade, the troops were overjoyed,” he said.
Col Kaale also praised the dedication and professionalism of parade participants saying their unity and patriotism reflected the spirit of national service.
The celebration was attended by Brig Gen Wycliffe Keita, the Joint Staff Training and Doctrine, senior and junior officers of the UPDF as well as parade participants from the UPDF and sister services.
