Gen. Kainerugaba emphasizes importance of military parade

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KAMPALA - The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, on Wednesday, October 16, hosted the 62nd Independence Day parade commanders of different guards to a luncheon at the Defense Intelligence and Security (DIS) headquarters in Kampala.
 
The event brought together participants from the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF), Uganda Police, Uganda Prisons, and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), led by overall parade Commander Col Deo Akiiki who is also the deputy director public information of the UPDF.

The luncheon follows his promise of October 9, 2024, to host all commanders for a luncheon with the CDF. 

CDF Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba addresses officers at the luncheon he hosted in Kampala. (UPDF Photo)

On October 9, 2024, Gen. Kainerugaba while appreciating the commanders of the parade on his X-Platform said, “A beautiful parade! One of the best I have seen in Uganda. Our boys and girls looked so smart. The parade commander Col. Deo Akiiki did a great job. The parade commander and all the other commanders of the parade are invited for lunch with CDF soon. All parade participants will get a party!”

The UPDF in a statement shared on Wednesday said Gen Kainerugaba expressed gratitude to the participants for their excellent execution of drills and emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards through continuous improvement via unit drills and competitions.

At the luncheon, the commanders also received CDF's token of appreciation (details not revealed) for putting up a stellar performance and revolutionising the parade from colonial practices. 

CDF Gen Kainerugaba acknowledging salute from Col. Deo Akiiki. (UPDF Photo)

Gen Kainerugaba, also the Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, highlighted the significance of parades in showcasing discipline and military capabilities. 

He noted that a well-executed parade demonstrates the effectiveness of a force.

The luncheon was attended by senior officers, including Commander SFC Maj Gen BD Mugisha, Chief of Staff SFC Brig Paul Namawa, and Deputy Chief Defense Intelligence and Security Brig Abdul Rugumayo.

At the 62nd Independence celebrations held in Busikho Teachers’ Training College in Masafu Town Council Busia district, President Yoweri Museveni commended Gen Kainerugaba and the UPDF for rationalizing the military parade during national functions and making it shorter. 

The CDF Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba with 62nd National Independence parade commanders whom he hosted for a luncheon Wednesday, October 16th in Kampala. (UPDF Photo)

He said politicians had been talking ‘endlessly about nothing’, making it longer and taking hours.

“I want to congratulate the army (UPDF), now instead of the soldiers staying on the parade the whole, they have done their part, and they have now gone, we got the army from our brothers, but it is time to reform it,” said Gen Museveni who is also the Commander in Chief of the armed forces.

The President's commendation to his son, Gen . Kainerugaba came a few days after he (CDF) was in Busia to assess the joint security forces' parade preparations for Independence Day celebrations.

Col. Deo Akiiki and other National Independence parade commanders at the CDF's luncheon on Wednesday, October 16th in Kampala. (UPDF Photo)

On October 7th, Gen Kainerugaba commended the parade participants for their commitment, pointing out the new aspects of marching.

He praised the band for mastering the new military songs and encouraged them to maintain a high standard.

While addressing the participants, the CDF emphasised the importance of perfection and neatness during the parade.