The 17th edition of the Uganda Inter-forces Games 2023 are scheduled to commence tomorrow Saturday 18th, ,launched at Naguru Police Headquarters by the Deputy Inspector General of Police.
The annual competitions that are organized under the Theme: “ Fostering Wellness And Inter-agency Cooperation through Sports For Safer And Secure Uganda’’, will feature eight disciplines will start with shooting at Kigo Range grounds and later move to Kabalya Police Training ground in Masindi District where the games will be played.
While presiding over the launch, the Deputy Inspector General of Police Maj. Gen. Kasigazi Tumusiime warned the representatives of the different participating forces to avoid the unfair completion because this will ruin the major objective of the games which is inter-forces cooperation as opposed to competition.
“ Historically the games where started with a major objective of enhancing cooperation among the security forces rather than competition per say. Since their inception, has helped us to ensure that we work together as we provide security to our people and we want this to continue as we are enjoying leisure.’’ Gen. Kasigazi said.
He adds, “ the games also help us in building and maintaining our physical fitness without going to GYMs and Saunas which is critical for the work we do for the country and they make us relax well, as well as improving happiness which in turn reduces on our stress which can cause mental problems that we could get while carrying out the routine operations.’’
The Deputy IGP also urged the directors of the sports departments of the respective forces to continue recruiting very younger people with talents such that they can be nurtured and later become world stars in the different sports disciplines.
Col. Deus Taremwa, UPDF Director of Education, Sports and Culture who represented the CDF the forces are faced with challenges of Non-communicable diseases, stress as a result of their nature of work but with such games, such challenges can easily be overcome.
He called on for members to advocate for increase in the number of games because this will attract more sports lovers in the forces to participate and also improve their health being. He said that there is a need to formulate clear rules and regulations so as to avoid the negative consequences when one loses.
The Deputy Director of Cooperate Affairs who also doubles as the Public Relations Officer of Uganda Prisons SCP. Frank Baine said that the competitions are also aimed at identifying the very talented individuals that can be selected to represent the country in the East Africa Inter-forces games as well as at continental and global level.
He called on the public to come and watch the games because they are also meant to inspire the younger people with talent out there such that they don’t burry their talents that can be developed when they join the forces.
According to AIGP Charles R. Birungi who is the Director Welfare, Production and Sports ,the event will attract over 1000 players who will compete in eight disciplines which include; Football, Netball, Volleyball, Athletics, Taekwondo ,Handball, Darts and Shooting and each institution will at least send about 250 players.
By George Bukenya.
For any story idea or comment reach us on 0756 749901/0770 845082 or email: bgbukenya@gmail.com