The Special Forces Command (SFC) football team on Friday, September 5th, 2025, emerged champions of the 17th Edition of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Cup after defeating the UPDF 3rd Division in a thrilling final played at Masaka Secondary School.
The tournament, which ran from August 26th to September 5th, brought together at least 20 teams from across the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), competing in football, netball, and range shooting under the theme: “Physical Fitness, Combat Readiness, and Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases through Sports.”
While crowning the winners, the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, applauded the discipline, precision, and teamwork demonstrated by all participants.
“What we have seen here has been more than just games; it has been a powerful demonstration of our military ethos in action. On the range ground, we witnessed impeccable skill, calmness under pressure, and absolute mastery of the tools of trade,” said Gen. Muhoozi.
He congratulated all teams and reaffirmed that in the UPDF spirit, “there are no losers.” He urged soldiers to carry the values of discipline, teamwork, and resilience back into their daily duties of serving the nation.
The closing ceremony attracted both military and civilian dignitaries, including Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Sam Okiding, who praised the CDF for his commitment to unity and described him as “a true team player.” He emphasized the operational readiness showcased during the games:
“The precision on the shooting range demonstrated that if this had been an operation against rebels, only a coward would have survived by running away.”
Former Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, senior commanders, service chiefs, and local leaders also graced the event.
Maj Gen Deus Sande, Commander of the Host Division, thanked the CDF for honoring both the UPDF and the people of Masaka with his presence. Brig Gen Richard Karemire, Joint Staff for Formal Education, Sports, and Culture, credited the successful organization of the two-week event to the steadfast support of the CDF.
The CDF Cup is one of the UPDF’s most significant annual sports events, aimed at promoting physical fitness, combat readiness, teamwork, and discipline across the force. This year’s edition also featured tree planting
activities, underscoring the UPDF’s commitment to environmental conservation.
Among the 20 participating formations were: the 1st to 5th Infantry Divisions, Mountain Division, Field Artillery Division, Armoured Division, Motorised Infantry Division, Air Force, Marines Brigade, Special Forces Command (SFC), Military Police, Engineers Brigade, Kabamba Cantonment, Magamaga Cantonment, Jinja Cantonment, Bombo General Headquarters, and the Chieftaincy of Defence Intelligence and Security (CDIS).
With the victory, the Special Forces Command now proudly holds the 17th CDF Cup trophy, adding to its legacy of excellence and discipline within the Uganda People’s Defence Forces.
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