By Robert Segawa
Uganda’s security agencies are set to participate in the 18th Interforces Games and Shooting Championship, scheduled to take place in Gulu City from August 22 to September 5, 2026, under the theme “Building Synergy Through Sports.”
The competition will be held at St. Joseph’s College Layibi in Gulu City and will bring together personnel from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Uganda Police Force, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and Uganda Prisons Service.
The agencies will compete in various disciplines, including netball, football, volleyball, handball, athletics, taekwondo, darts and range shooting.
According to Col. Henry Obbo, the games are intended to promote unity and cooperation among Uganda’s security forces.
“The aim of the games is to enhance fitness and discipline, improve operational readiness among security forces, strengthen inter-agency cooperation and promote civil-military cooperation, while also improving health and reducing stress among security personnel,” Col. Obbo said.
Uganda Police spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke said the games will also provide an opportunity to identify sporting talent within the security forces.
“We aim to identify new talent within the security forces, from which some can be tapped to contribute to Uganda’s sports fraternity,” Rusoke said.
He called on members of the public to attend the games, cheer on the participating teams and use the event to strengthen solidarity between civilians and the country’s security forces.
The spokespersons of the participating security agencies described the games as a rare opportunity for personnel to temporarily swap their combat gear and firearms for sports attire, compete in a friendly environment and strengthen bonds among the different forces.
The organisers say the championship is expected to promote teamwork, discipline, physical fitness and inter-agency cooperation while fostering stronger civil-military relations.
