Uganda’s security forces are preparing to trade their usual combat boots, uniforms and operational duties for sportswear as the country hosts the 18th Inter-Forces Games in Gulu City later this month.The highly anticipated competition will take place from August 22 to September 5 at St. Joseph’s College Layibi, bringing together athletes from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Uganda Police Force, Uganda Wildlife Authority and Uganda Prisons Service.
The four security institutions will go head-to-head across several sporting disciplines, with football, netball, volleyball, handball, athletics, taekwondo, darts and range shooting featuring prominently on the competition programme.Deputy UPDF spokesperson Col. Henry Obbo said the games are not simply about winning trophies, but are an important avenue for strengthening cooperation among the country’s security agencies and preparing personnel for their demanding duties.He explained that regular sporting activities help security personnel maintain physical fitness and discipline, improve operational readiness and strengthen teamwork, while also promoting better health and reducing stress associated with security work.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said the competition will also serve as a talent-search platform, giving security agencies an opportunity to identify personnel with exceptional sporting abilities who could potentially represent and contribute to Uganda’s wider sports sector.Rusoke also encouraged members of the public to turn up in large numbers to support the teams, arguing that public participation would help strengthen the bond between civilians and the security institutions.Beyond the trophies and medals, the Inter-Forces Games are expected to provide a unique atmosphere in which personnel from different security agencies can interact, compete and build stronger relationships—temporarily replacing guns and combat gear with sports shoes in a powerful display of teamwork, discipline and unity.
