The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) 2nd Infantry Division on Saturday conducted a 30-kilometre route march through Mbarara City in a demonstration of discipline, endurance, and military readiness.
The march, which began and ended at the Division Headquarters, was led by the Division Commander, Major General Paul Muhanguzi, and attracted hundreds of officers and militants from across the formation.
The exercise aimed to strengthen teamwork, unity, and the physical fitness of troops in line with the UPDF’s operational standards.
Addressing soldiers before the march, Maj Gen Muhanguzi underscored the importance of regular physical training as a cornerstone of military preparedness.
“The purpose of the route march is to check troop and combat readiness,” he said. “We regularly conduct such exercises as part of our daily military planning to ensure that all personnel remain fit and prepared.”
He emphasized that beyond fitness, the exercise promotes solidarity among soldiers, reinforcing the UPDF’s core values of teamwork and discipline.
Military route marches remain a key element of the UPDF’s training tradition used to enhance coordination, mental toughness, and collective endurance.
Such exercises, often held at both divisional and brigade levels, also serve as morale boosters while keeping units in peak operational condition.
Maj Gen Muhanguzi added that the 2nd Division, which is headquartered in Makenke, Mbarara, remains committed to maintaining high levels of readiness and professionalism in all its ranks.
The route march concluded successfully, with troops returning in high spirits after covering the 30-kilometre circuit.
The Division’s Public Information Officer, Major Kiconco Tabaro, commended the participants for their discipline and endurance throughout the exercise.
“The route march was successfully conducted. It strengthened the bond within our troops and reinforced our readiness for any assignment,” Maj Tabaro said.
The UPDF continues to conduct such physical and tactical exercises across its formations to ensure the force remains physically robust, mentally resilient, and strategically prepared to defend the country’s sovereignty.
