Special Forces Command conducts 3rd Inter-Unit Rifle Competition

The Commander of the 3rd Special Force Group, Col. Wilson Bagonza, has hailed President Yoweri Museveni, also Commander-In-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), for support towards the training and equipping of the army. 

According to Col. Bagonza, prioritising capacity building within the UPDF has led to significant improvements in the professionalism, discipline, and combat readiness of the forces.

Col. Bagonza made the remarks on Monday, June 23, 2025, while presiding over the official opening ceremony of the 3rd edition of the annual Special Forces Command (SFC) inter-unit rifle competition.

The exercise is taking place at Fort Samora Machel Special Forces Training School in Kaweweta, Nakaseke district.

“I thank our Commander-in-Chief, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for all we are doing; he's the originator, and he actively participates in supporting our training efforts to ensure that we are well-equipped.

In the same vein, I thank the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for his tremendous efforts in professionalising not only SFC but the entire UPDF,” said Col. Bagonza, who represented the Commander of the SFC, Maj. Gen. David Mugisha.

According to a release from the Presidential Press Unit, he encouraged participants to take the competition seriously as a way of improving their skills.

The Director of Training and Doctrine - SFC, Col. Paul Lokut, described the inter-unit competition as a celebration of the mission of Special Forces, not only in Uganda but the entire world.

“You might not be the best, but you have been given this opportunity to be here and baptised in the name of being the best. So, since you have been baptised with that name, please defend it and excel,” he emphasised.

“Remember that you're not competing with an enemy. Each of us should keep watch over our colleagues. Practice as much as you can. Shape the knowledge you acquired and the skills you already have,  compete with confidence and embrace friendship for brotherhood to prevail,” Col. Bagonza lectured.

The commandant of Fort Samora Machel Special Forces Training School, Lt. Col. Beyendera Edison, said the competition is more than a test of skill and marksmanship. He revealed that it's a celebration of the discipline, precision, and unwavering commitment that defines the Special Forces Command.

“The exercises provide a platform to strengthen our unity, foster healthy rivalry, and share best practices that sharpen our operational readiness. I urge all participating units to compete with courage, respect, and true sportsmanship,” he said.

The Director of Training and Doctrine - SFC, Col. Paul Lokut, described the inter-unit competition as a celebration of the mission of Special Forces, not only in Uganda but the entire world.

“All the scenarios that are to be performed in this competition are common actions, tasks, and missions of the Special Forces worldwide, from direct action, hostage rescue, and unconventional warfare.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included: the commanding officers, operations and training officers, commandants of respective training schools, and officers of the Special Forces Command. 

The competition

This year’s SFC inter-unit rifle competition witnessed drills from 11 teams representing the four formations.

Activities include disciplines such as the Strongest Special Challenge, the Long-Range Rifle Challenge, the Pistol Challenge, the Hostage Rescue Challenge, and Direct Action. 

On the last day, CSFC Challenge Best Squads will demonstrate HR, DA, and shooting falling plates and targets.