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UPDF 2nd Infantry Division proves combat readiness in 30km march
“A route march is one of the physical fitness exercises that military forces always undertake to check physical fitness. Physical fitness results in combat alertness, and combat alertness brings quick response to any national threat. So, moving around is one of our tasks to prove to the public that, really, we can meet the task,” Muhanguzi told journalists.
Muhanguzi emphasised that the exercise serves as a clear demonstration of UPDF's readiness to protect the citizens and defend the country’s territorial boundaries. (Credit: Abdulkarim Ssengendo)
By: Abdulkarim Ssengendo, Journalist @New Vision
MBARARA - The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) 2nd Infantry Division has today (September 1, 2026) carried out a 30-kilometer route march through Mbarara City to test and improve soldiers' fitness.
The joyful soldiers, alongside personnel from the Uganda Police Force and Uganda Prisons Service, kicked off the rigorous route march early in the morning, starting from the 2nd Division quarter guard and walking through different parts of Mbarara City.
Maj. Gen. Paul Muhanguzi, the 2nd Infantry Division Commander, led the walk amid high morale, which he said was meant to boost their operational readiness.
“A route march is one of the physical fitness exercises that military forces always undertake to check physical fitness. Physical fitness results in combat alertness, and combat alertness brings quick response to any national threat. So, moving around is one of our tasks to prove to the public that, really, we can meet the task,” Muhanguzi told journalists.
Muhanguzi emphasised that the exercise serves as a clear demonstration of UPDF's readiness to protect the citizens and defend the country’s territorial boundaries.
“The strategic leadership expects the lower units to be physically fit to respond to any security threat; the public expects security forces to stand firm and engage any security threat that will come over. We can’t simply relax and say that the country is peaceful, and when you are called upon, you find that you are unable to respond quickly,” Muhanguzi noted.
He thanked the sister forces, the Uganda Police and Uganda Prison Forces, for their full participation, noting that national security requires collective participation of all Ugandans and all forces.
Muhanguzi emphasised that the exercise serves as a clear demonstration of UPDF's readiness to protect the citizens and defend the country’s territorial boundaries.
“The strategic leadership expects the lower units to be physically fit to respond to any security threat; the public expects security forces to stand firm and engage any security threat that will come over. We can’t simply relax and say that the country is peaceful, and when you are called upon, you find that you are unable to respond quickly,” Muhanguzi noted.
Okia encouraged all officers to attend the next march. (Credit: Abdulkarim Ssengendo)
He thanked the sister forces, the Uganda Police and Uganda Prison Forces, for their full participation, noting that national security requires collective participation of all Ugandans and all forces.
Kenneth Kabwigo, the Mbarara district police commander, said the Police personnel were glad to join UPDF in the 30-kilometer route march, adding that this was a way of emphasising inter-agency cooperation between the forces.
“This exercise improves our fitness, and it shows that as police, we are always available to join UPDF whenever called up on,” Kabwigo stated.
He said their job demands that they have to keep fit and healthy to be able to execute their mandate.
James Okia from Uganda Prisons appreciated the UPDF leadership for organising the march, saying such collaborative exercises are vital for boosting the physical fitness and health of security personnel.
Okia encouraged all officers to attend the next march.
“This exercise improves our fitness, and it shows that as police, we are always available to join UPDF whenever called up on,” Kabwigo stated.
He said their job demands that they have to keep fit and healthy to be able to execute their mandate.
James Okia from Uganda Prisons appreciated the UPDF leadership for organising the march, saying such collaborative exercises are vital for boosting the physical fitness and health of security personnel.
Okia encouraged all officers to attend the next march.