The Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) has unveiled new Service Doctrines for the Land Forces, Air Force, and Special Forces Command. The announcement was made on May 22, 2026, during a ceremony at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala.
The doctrines aim to enhance professionalism, interoperability, and doctrine-based operations across the force. According to UPDF officials, the documents provide standardized guidance for planning and executing military operations, ensuring that all branches operate under a unified framework.
The Chief of Defence Forces, General Wilson Mbadi, presided over the launch. He emphasized that the doctrines reflect lessons learned from recent operations and align with international best practices. The new guidelines replace outdated manuals and are expected to improve coordination between the Land Forces, Air Force, and Special Forces.
Details of the doctrines were not publicly disclosed, but they are said to cover areas such as command and control, joint operations, and counter-insurgency tactics. The UPDF has been involved in various domestic and regional security missions, including operations against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The launch marks a significant step in the UPDF's ongoing modernization efforts, which have included equipment upgrades and training reforms. The doctrines are now being distributed to units for implementation.
