The Special Forces Command (SFC) football team lifted the 17th Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Cup trophy after edging out 3 Division in a hard-fought final, capping two weeks of spirited competition in Masaka.
The games, hosted at Masaka Senior Secondary School, featured contests in football, netball, and range shooting, drawing teams from across the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). Beyond the medals, the event aimed to sharpen combat readiness while strengthening unity within the force.
Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, congratulated the winners and saluted all participants for their discipline and precision.
“What we have seen here has been far more than simple games; it has been a powerful demonstration of our military ethos in action. At the range ground, we could see a demonstration of impeccable skill, calmness under pressure, and absolute mastery of your tools of trade,” Gen Muhoozi said.
He emphasized that the lessons carried from the field should extend into everyday service.
“In the UPDF, there are no losers. The lessons of discipline, precision, and camaraderie that you have demonstrated here should be carried forward into your daily service to the nation.”
Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, praised the CDF’s leadership and underlined the operational edge displayed in the games. 
“The precision witnessed on the shooting range demonstrated that if these games were an operation against a rebel group, only a coward would have survived by running away,” he remarked.
Maj Gen Deus Sande, Commander of the Host Division, expressed gratitude to the CDF for gracing the competitions and to the people of Masaka for their warm support. Brig Gen Richard Karemire, who oversaw Joint Staff, Formal Education, Sports, and Culture, credited the CDF’s backing for the seamless organization of the event.
The closing ceremony was attended by senior UPDF officers, division commanders, service chiefs, and Vice President Emeritus Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, underscoring the weight of the event on the military calendar.
