The Malawi Defence Force

24/10/2026

WINNING THE BATTLE AGAINST HIV: MDF MARCHES TOWARDS ZERO

The Malawi Defence Force (MDF) on Friday, 23 October, 2026, conducted a colourful HIV Open Day at Kamuzu Barracks Football Ground in Lilongwe. The event was held under the theme “Battle Towards Zero New HIV Casualties in the Malawi Defence Force.”
The commemoration began with a Solidarity Walk from Area 23 Police Ground to the barracks, bringing together soldiers, spouses, students and partners in a show of unity against HIV.

Speaking during the event, Major General (Prof) Dan Kuwali, Chief of Policy and Plans at the Joint Headquarters, commended the Military Health Services for their role in the fight against HIV and for driving awareness campaigns across the force.
“As the MDF, we are taking a holistic approach to health matters so that we can achieve zero new HIV casualties. A strong Defence Force is defined not only by the battles it wins, but by the lives it protects and the passion it shows in confronting health challenges,” said Major General Kuwali.

Ms Tione Chilambe, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National AIDS Commission (NAC), also commended MDF leadership for organising the event and for adopting policies that stress sustained prevention, testing and treatment, which Malawi needs if it is to reach zero new infections.

The MDF is working towards the 95-95-95 targets: 95% of people knowing their status, 95% of those diagnosed being on treatment, and 95% of those on treatment achieving viral suppression.

Activities at the Open Day included HIV testing and counselling, health screening, and awareness pavilions.

BY SERGEANT JOSEPH PHIRI

18/10/2026

GROUND BROKEN ON MSOKERACHERUB PRESIDENTIAL HIGHWAY AND LINGADZI BRIDGE

Lilongwe witnessed a landmark moment on Friday, October 16, 2026, as the Malawi Defence Force’s Engineering Construction Company Limited (ECCL) broke ground on two transformative infrastructure projects: the 800-metre MsokeraCherub Presidential Highway and the Lingadzi River Bailey Bridge.

Funded by the Roads Fund Administration (RFA), the groundbreaking ceremony was presided over by Honourable Dr. Ben Malunga Phiri, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development at Cherub in Area 47.

The Minister emphasised the strategic importance of the new road, noting that it will ease movement between Areas 47, 49, and 25, reduce traffic congestion, and stimulate economic growth. He underscored the government’s confidence in the MDF, saying:

“We need roads that will stand for generations and leave a lasting legacy.”

The Chief of Defence Force, General George Alexander Jaffu Jnr, pledged that the project would be delivered within 12 months and to the highest standards.

“I would like to assure you that the project will be completed within the stipulated period of 12 months, and up to the required quality and standard,” he affirmed.

General Jaffu also urged ECCL to engage local youth in the works as part of community participation, while appealing to surrounding communities to cooperate with construction personnel.

Backing this assurance, ECCL Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General James Matthews Aidini, reiterated the company’s commitment to meeting the deadline.

A Vision for Lilongwe’s Future
The groundbreaking forms part of the twoyear Memorandum of Understanding between the MDF and Lilongwe City Council, which focuses on road construction and rehabilitation across the capital.

Together, these projects symbolize more than just infrastructure; they represent civilmilitary cooperation, disciplined ex*****on, and a shared vision for a modern, resilient Lilongwe.

BY SERGEANT JOSEPH PHIRI

16/10/2026

INAUGURAL INTER-SECURITY AGENCIES SPORTS FESTIVAL CLOSES IN SPIRIT OF UNITY AND STRENGTH

The 2026 Inter-Security Agencies Sports Festival ended today at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe with a colourful closing ceremony celebrating unity, wellness and sportsmanship.

The inaugural festival began with a route march on Friday, 9 October, and ran for five days of competition. It brought together personnel from the Malawi Defence Force, the Malawi Police Service, the Malawi Prisons Service and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services. Athletes competed in football, netball, basketball, volleyball, tug of war, darts and track and field, with support from corporate sponsors.

Closing the festival, the Minister of Defence, Hon. Dr. Feston Kaupa, MP, commended the four agencies for their discipline, teamwork and unity throughout the competition. He urged them to carry that unity into their daily work.
“The objective of this festival has been achieved. We have seen strength in unity in action,” he said. “You have competed as rivals on the field, but remained brothers and sisters in service to our nation, in emergencies and in peace.”

Dr. Kaupa said government will continue to support the festival as an annual event to promote physical fitness, mental wellness and interoperability among the security agencies. He called on all men and women in uniform to embrace this unity, which he said is essential in times of risk and disaster.

“I extend my sincere gratitude to the people of Lilongwe for cheering on the men and women of the four security agencies,” he said.

The festival was held under the theme “Strength in Unity: Promoting Unity, Wellness, Teamwork and National Development Through Sport.”

The Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Colonel Alfred Luciano Matambo, said the week showed that agencies that train and play together work better together.

“This festival showcased the unity amongst the four security agencies. When we train together and play together, we work better together,” he said. “The cooperation we have built here will translate into better coordinated operations in the field.”

BY CORPORAL NORRIS MZIMA

12/10/2026

INAUGURAL INTER-SECURITY AGENCIES SPORTS FESTIVAL OPENS AT BINGU NATIONAL STADIUM

The 2026 Inter-Security Agencies Sports Festival, the first edition of what is now an annual event, was officially opened today at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe. The festival brings together Malawi’s security institutions in a show of cooperation.

Opening the festival, Minister of Homeland Security, Honourable Peter Mukhito described it as a platform where men and women in uniform can interact, network and build stronger professional ties.
“The festival offers an opportunity to strengthen cooperation, build mutual trust, and foster lasting professional relationships amongst security agencies,” he said.

The festival is being held under the theme “Strength in Unity: Promoting Unity, Wellness, Teamwork and National Development Through Sport.”

Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Colonel Alfred Luciano Matambo, said the event will improve interoperability and cooperation by giving the agencies a chance to learn from one another’s work.

The festival began with a route march on Friday, 9 October, and will run until Friday, 16 October 2026. It involves personnel from the Malawi Defence Force, the Malawi Police Service, the Malawi Prisons Service and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services.

Men and women will take part in football, netball, basketball, volleyball, tug of war, darts, and track and field. Beyond promoting physical fitness and wellness in the security services, the activities are meant to reinforce resilience, teamwork and fair play.

by Corporal Norris Nzima | by Corporal Alphia Selemani, Lance Corporal Joseph Luhanga

https://mdf.gov.mw/post/inaugural-inter-security-agencies-sports-festival-opens-at-bingu-national-stadium

11/10/2026

IRON MARCH 2026: ARMOUR BATTALION TAKES THE CROWN

The Armour Battalion of 94 Brigade emerged as champions of the 2026 Malawi Army Tactical March and Shoot Competition, code-named "Iron March."

The three-day exercise ran from 6th to 8th October 2026, starting at Lithipe in Dedza and ending at the Kamuzu Barracks Gallery Range in Lilongwe.

Armour Battalion scored 3,862 points out of a possible 4,500 to win the trophy and a K2.5 million cash prize. Moyale Barracks, representing 101 Brigade, finished second with 3,344 points, while Changalume Barracks, representing 93 Brigade, finished third with 2,675 points.

The troops covered 60 kilometres on foot in demanding conditions. Along the route, checkpoints tested their map reading, first aid, battle drills, navigation, tactical obstacle crossing, physical fitness, resilience and teamwork.

The exercise culminated in a live-fire and manoeuvre phase at Kamuzu Barracks Gallery Range, held immediately on arrival, to test their battle drills and weapon proficiency under fatigue and pressure.

Speaking at the prize presentation ceremony, Commander of the Malawi Army, Major General Lackson Phiri, stressed that ‘Iron March” was first and foremost a training exercise.

"This is a military training exercise, not a sporting event or a competition. We use competition to encourage and drive troops to achieve the highest standards possible. The focus is on developing instinctive combat marksmanship; soldiers who can fire the better shot, faster, under pressure," said Major General Phiri.

He congratulated Armour Battalion on its endurance and confidence in its weapons. “This is what we strive to achieve within all our soldiers in our respective units,” he said.

The Malawi Army Tactical March and Shoot Competition is held annually to enhance combat readiness, physical fitness, and esprit de corps among Army units.

BY: SERGEANT MIKE LANGA LULANGA

09/10/2026

MALAWI SECURITY AGENCIES IN JOINT ROUTE MARCH

Security agencies in Malawi staged a joint route march through the city of Lilongwe in solidarity ahead of a week long sports festival aimed at promoting unity and fitness among the uniformed services. The festival will be hosted at Bingu National Stadium.

The march brought together officers from the Malawi Defence Force, Malawi Police Service, Malawi Prisons Service, and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services. Leading the procession was a banner with the theme: “Strength in Unity – Promoting Unity, Wellness, Teamwork and National Development Through Sport.”

The march set off from Lilongwe Community Ground, going through Mchesi, Kamuzu Central Hospital and Crossroads Roundabouts, Bwandilo, and the Area 18 Interchange before finishing at Bingu National Stadium.

Speaking at Bingu National Stadium, Colonel Alfred Luciano Matambo, Chairperson of the Joint Organising Committee, underscored the spirit of solidarity, noting that although the institutions wear different uniforms, they serve one flag and one people. He emphasised that the sports festival will strengthen trust and coordination, qualities essential for national security.

“The exercise is aimed at fostering inter agency cooperation, physical wellness, and teamwork, which are essential for effective joint operations in safeguarding the nation,” said Colonel Matambo.

The joint route march has been widely hailed as a true demonstration of unity in diversity. Organizers expect it to become a regular feature, reinforcing collaboration beyond operational duties and highlighting the vital role of sport in national development.

by Corporal Alphia SELEMANI | By Warrant Officer Class II Chainas SUNTCHE

https://mdf.gov.mw/post/malawi-security-agencies-in-joint-route-march

09/10/2026