UPDF Battle Group in South Sudan conducts physical fitness drills

Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) troops deployed in South Sudan have undertaken a physical training exercise, which included a 20-kilometre route march and mountain climbing.

The exercise was conducted under the guidance of Brig Gen Anthony Lukwago Mbuusi, Joint Task Force Commander of Operation Mlinzi Wakimya.

Codenamed Pigua Umande, the exercise, led by the battle group Commander, Col Bernard Kashemeza, is aimed at strengthening endurance, physical fitness, teamwork, and leadership skills among the troops.

During the exercise, Brig Gen Mbuusi highlighted the value of such exercises, noting that routine physical training is not merely a formality or punishment but a key component of operational preparedness. 

“These exercises preserve life and ensure mission success. They prepare your body and mind to face challenges as warriors,” he said, according to a release from the UPDF Communications directorate.

The training forms part of the UPDF’s ongoing efforts to maintain high operational efficiency and resilience in deployment areas. 

In March 2025, UPDF deployed in South Sudan after South Sudan President, Salva Kiir, requested President Yoweri Museveni for urgent military support in order to avert a potential security catastrophe in South Sudan,” Oboth stated.

While addressing Parliament, the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Jacob Oboth Oboth, reported that deployment of the peace enforcement mission is in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation and Status of Forces Agreement.

In March 2025, UPDF deployed in South Sudan after South Sudan President, Salva Kiir, requested President Yoweri Museveni for urgent military support in order to avert a potential security catastrophe in South Sudan,” Oboth stated. (Credit: UPDF)

He told the legislators that President Museveni’s decision was also based on Uganda’s commitment to patriotism, nationalism and Pan-Africanism.

“It was done in a spirit of brotherhood, solidarity and shared historical and regional ties between the two countries,” he said.

Oboth justified the deployment of the UPDF, saying that the security situation in South Sudan is likely to result in serious negative security implications for Uganda, economically, socially and politically.

“The deployment of UPDF in South Sudan has previously enabled and will continue to enable the stabilisation of security, peace enforcement, protection of lives and prevention of further escalation of conflict in South Sudan which is beneficial to Uganda, the region and Africa at large,” he said on  20 March 2025 during the sitting of the House chaired by Speaker, Anita Among.

Recently, Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, held high-level discussions with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir at State House in Juba, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and regional stability.

Gen Kainerugaba arrived in Juba earlier in the morning and was received by his South Sudanese counterpart at the Juba International Airport.

Following brief talks, the Ugandan General proceeded to State House for the presidential meeting.

After the August  09th meeting with President Kiir, the CDF visited the tactical headquarters of Operation Mlinzi Wa Kimya, a Swahili phrase meaning “Silent Guardian,” where he interacted with Ugandan troops and commanders overseeing the mission.

President Kiir expressed his appreciation to Gen Kainerugaba for Uganda’s role in maintaining peace in Africa’s youngest nation, acknowledging the UPDF’s contributions to regional security.

Gen Kainerugaba, who is also the Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with South Sudan.