UPDF troops in Karamoja boost combat readiness with 30km route march

KARAMOJA - Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) 3rd Infantry Division has embarked on a monthly route march as one of the ways to boost its combat readiness.

On Friday, November 28th, an estimated 600 soldiers from the neighbouring units and formations ably trekked 30 kilometres to and fro from Moroto barracks airstrip to Kodonyo trading centre located along Moroto – Lokitanyala highway to Kitale in Kenya.

The armed soldiers chanted motivational songs in Kiswahili as their AK-47 rifles hung on their shoulders, while several machine guns were escorted by a pair of armoured personnel cars.

Flagging off the troops on Friday morning, Allan Kyangungu, the second in command of the Infantry Division, told the soldiers that the monthly route march aims at boosting their combat readiness.

The 2nd in command of the 3rd Infantry Division, Col. Allan Kyangungu, accompanied the troops during the 30km walk towards the Kenya border. (Credit: Olandason Wanyama)

“We shall have this exercise on a monthly basis, designed for physical fitness and to assess our combat readiness,” he noted, adding that if soldiers walk together, they show oneness and togetherness.

He further said that the monthly exercise is to enhance readiness for our troops.
Kyangungu also said the exercise will help the soldiers work in risky places we have tried to convert, like Karamoja sub-region, and that such exercises have been conducted in the first and second army divisions in the country.

“Not only what has been mentioned, as soldiers endeavour to execute their mandate, they are ready to face all challenges,” he noted, adding that they will also understand and take up orders as an already disciplined force.

The UPDF soldiers were able to trek to and fro the 30 kilometres in a record time of 220 minutes.