The Commander of the Three Special Forces Group, Col. Wilson Bagonza, has called on members of the Special Forces Command (SFC) to remain steadfast in protecting Uganda’s hard-won freedom, emphasizing that it must not be taken for granted.
Speaking on Tuesday at the closure of the third edition of the SFC Inter-Unit Rifle Competition held at the Samora Machel UPDF Special Forces School in Kaweweta, Col. Bagonza, who represented the Special Forces Commander, Maj. Gen. David Mugisha, underscored the importance of vigilance, discipline, and continuous training in safeguarding national sovereignty.
“We do not rise to the level of our expectations; we fall to the level of our training,” he quoted General Achilleus, adding another reminder from General Douglas MacArthur: “No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.”
Col. Bagonza stressed that the SFC’s mission is to defend the freedom ushered in by Uganda’s liberation fighters, led by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, warning against complacency.
“That freedom must not be taken for granted. Those who attempt to spoil it must be subdued by us,” he said.
He further praised the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) for its transformation over the years, highlighting its evolution into a disciplined and respected force.
He credited the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for spearheading professionalization through modernized recruitment, training, and welfare initiatives.
“In the past, the army was associated with criminals and outlaws. Today, recruitment is merit-based, including online applications, and the UPDF commands respect within the region,” Col. Bagonza noted.
He warned that military readiness can quickly erode without consistent training, urging SFC personnel to prioritize skill retention and tactical proficiency.
“Training keeps us on par with global standards. Every soldier must be capable of neutralizing targets within their weapon’s range,” he said.
The competition, he added, served as a reminder that marksmanship and combat skills must be continuously refined to ensure operational superiority.
The Director of Training and Doctrine for SFC, Col. Paul Lokut, reinforced the message, stating that competitions like this are essential for translating rigorous training into practical combat effectiveness.
“You can have large numbers, but if your troops are untrained, they’re ineffective. Special Forces skills are complex and require repetitive practice to become instinctive,” Col. Lokut said.
He challenged the units to prepare for an even tougher fourth edition of the competition, urging sustained dedication to training.
Samora Machel UPDF Special Forces School Commandant, Lt. Col. Edison Bayendera, commended the participants’ discipline, precision, and determination throughout the competition.
“This competition tests both skill and resolve. It strengthens unit cohesion, encourages best practices, and serves as a reminder that our training never ends,” Lt. Col. Bayendera said.
He urged participants to inspire their peers with their experiences and to pursue continuous improvement in professional excellence.
The 2025 SFC Inter-Unit Rifle Competition attracted 11 teams from four formations: Headquarters Group, One Special Forces Group, Two Special Forces Group, and Three Special Forces Group. Competition events included the Strongest Special Challenge, Long-Range Rifle Challenge, Pistol Challenge, Hostage Rescue Challenge, and Direct-Action Simulation.
The Commander Special Forces Command (CSFC) Headquarters team dominated the 2025 SFC Inter-Unit Rifle Competition, emerging as the overall best team. They also secured victory in the Commander Special Forces Command Challenge, earning trophies and medals for their exceptional performance.
The Airborne Brigade finished as the first runner-up, while the 1 Protective Agent Brigade took the second runner-up position in the overall competition.
In the Strongest Special Forces Operator Challenge, Private Daniel Omara emerged as the strongest male operator, scoring 890 points, while Private Arion Asiimwe won in the female category with 860 points.
In the Short-Range Challenge, Private Moses Tumwekwase was named the best male shooter after scoring a perfect 100 points. Private Najala Memory claimed the top spot in the female category with 62 points, while the 1 Protective Agent Brigade won the best team award in this challenge, collecting 310 points.
Other contested categories included the Long-Range Rifle Challenge, Pistol Challenge, Hostage Rescue Challenge, and Direct-Action Simulation Challenge.
At the close of the competition, the top three teams received gold, silver, and bronze medals respectively, recognizing their outstanding performance.
The event drew senior military leaders, including Brigade Commanders, SFC training commanders, and other dignitaries, with an emphasis on unity, operational readiness, and high professional standards.
