Uganda Wildlife Authority handed over the hosting of the inter-forces games and championships to Uganda Police Forces on September 29, 2022 after successfully hosting the 16th edition of the games.
This year’s games were held at the Mweya Peninsula and Katwe Kabatoro Town in Queen Elizabeth and Bombo Barracks from September 19th to 29th 2022 under the theme “Inter-forces collaboration – A key to effective wildlife protection”. It featured disciplines of range shooting, football, athletics, volleyball, netball, darts and taekwondo. The handover was done at the closure of the games at Mweya peninsular, Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Uganda Police Force emerged champions after marching to victory in most of the disciplines scooping a total of 13 medals; 7 gold, 4 silver and 2 gold followed by Uganda Prisons Service, Uganda Peoples’ defence Forces and the hosts were fourth.
The event was graced by the Minister of Defence Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja who represented His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as chief guest. Minister Ssempijja said that the President was impressed with the theme of the games that placed collaboration at centre stage and mentioned that the Security Council would put emphasis on sports in the next planning session.
In a speech read by the Minister, His Excellency the President highlighted the importance of collaboration among the security organs to fight wrong elements by effectively tackling crime.
The President said that as the forces collaborate in sports, the collaboration should be deepened to operations so as to ensure the safety of Ugandans and their property. He said that government appreciates the importance of sports in the daily lives of the forces and urged the leadership of the forces to be at the forefront of identification of talented Ugandans and developing their talents further. And he read the speech from the president that he received from the State House.
UWA’s Director of Finance and Administration Jimmy Mugisa represented the Executive Director at the closing ceremony. Mr. Mugisa handed over the flag and file to Uganda Police the next hosts in the presence of the Minister of Defence. He said that the inter-forces games and championships offered us an opportunity to further cement the working relationship we have with the sister forces because Uganda Wildlife Authority works closely with other forces in executing their mandate of protecting Uganda’s flora and fauna.
He further said that in spite of the rivalry during the course of these games participants demonstrated maturity, comradeship, sportsmanship and fair play. He expressed hope that this spirit will continue even in other editions to come.
The games were opened by the Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Honourable Martin Mugarra Bahinduka on September 23, 2022 at Uganda Wildlife Research and Training Institute after a Corporate Social Responsibility activity of tree planting along two streets in Katwe town council.
The opening was also characterised by a road race of 8 and 10 kilometre for women and men respectively and the spoils were shared between UWA and Uganda Police with the former winning the women category and the latter, the men’s category. The road race was preceded by track and field events that were held at Bombo army barracks where athletes from all the forces participated. UWA’s Halima Nakaayi and Winnie Nanyindo didn’t disappoint after sprinting to gold.
