UPDF has officially unveiled new Service Doctrines for the Land Forces, Air Force and Special Forces Command in a strategic move aimed at strengthening professionalism, interoperability and doctrine-based operations across the Force.
The doctrines were launched during a ceremony held at the Defence Intelligence and Security Headquarters, attended by senior military leadership, heads of Joint Staff Services, Service Chiefs of Staff, Directors, Generals, senior officers of the UPDF, and officials from the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs.
Speaking at the launch, the Chief of Joint Staff, Lieutenant General Jack Bakasumba commended all personnel who contributed to the development of the doctrines from inception to completion.
“For all those who were involved in this process, I want to thank you,” Lt Gen Bakasumba said.
Representing the Chief of Defence Forces, Joint Staff Training and Doctrine representative Brigadier General Keita said the new doctrines would provide a critical strategic and operational link between the three services, enabling coordinated action and unified operations.
“The launch of these doctrines demonstrates the institutional readiness of the UPDF to operate under a unified doctrinal framework. They ensure that we train to a common standard, plan with shared intent, and fight as one joint force,” he said.
Brig Gen Keita explained that the development of the doctrines was driven by the growing need for operational-level guidance aligned to the UPDF’s three active services.
“The launch of these Service Doctrines is justified by the need to institutionalise doctrine-based planning and execution across all services of the UPDF,” he said.
Brig Gen Keita described doctrine as “the cement that binds an army together,” emphasizing that the new framework would establish a common language, shared understanding of warfare, and a unified approach to training, planning, command and operations within the UPDF.
“Doctrines are the foundation upon which military forces develop capacity, plan operations, and sustain missions. Doctrine gives the force more than guidance; it gives it coherence,” he said.
According to Brig Gen Keita, the doctrines are expected to strengthen confidence in the UPDF’s readiness to address modern security challenges while reinforcing its image as a professional and modern force.
“These Service Doctrines represent more than publications. They capture the operational experience of the UPDF and establish a professional framework on how the Services generate and apply combat power in support of national objectives,” he said.
The launch marks a significant milestone in the UPDF’s ongoing efforts to enhance joint operations, standardize operational planning, and strengthen institutional capacity across its service branches.
