GULU CITY, August 24, 2026 — The 18th Inter-Forces Games have officially opened at St Joseph’s College Layibi in Gulu City, with the Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, calling on Uganda’s security forces to use sports to strengthen cooperation, teamwork and professional relations.
Opening the games, Hon. Kiryowa said the annual competition goes beyond winning medals and trophies, as it provides an opportunity for the security forces to build unity, discipline, resilience and camaraderie.
He urged athletes to maintain discipline, respect the rules of the games and demonstrate professionalism throughout the competition.
“Sports provide a strong platform for building teamwork and cooperation,” Hon. Kiryowa said, stressing that the close working relationship developed through such activities can also strengthen coordination in the execution of security duties.
The Minister of State for Internal Affairs, Hon. Juma Witonze Kisekka, also emphasised the importance of sports in bringing security institutions together and strengthening the spirit of cooperation among personnel.
The 18th edition, hosted by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), is being held under the theme “Building Synergies Through Sports” and brings together four security institutions: the UPDF, Uganda Police Force (UPF), Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
The UPDF was represented at the opening ceremony by the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Charles Okiding, alongside other senior military officers.
The Uganda Prisons Service was represented by the Deputy Commissioner General of Prisons, Mr Samuel Akena.
The Uganda Police Force was represented by AIGP Joseph Obwona, Director of Interpol and International Relations.
Senior officers from the Prisons Headquarters also attended the opening ceremony, including Dr George Muge, Assistant Commissioner General of Prisons in charge of Cooperation and Corporate Affairs, and his deputy, Mr Frank Baine, Senior Commissioner of Prisons and Service spokesperson.
Others were Mr Apollo Akankunda, Commissioner of Prisons in charge of National, Regional and International Cooperation; Mr. Henry Kidega, Assistant Commissioner of Prisons (Service Transport Officer); Mr David Okiring, Head of Sports at Prisons Headquarters; and Mr Jimmy Anguzu, Senior Superintendent of Prisons (Service Sports Officer).
The Northern Region was represented by officers in charge of prisons across the region, led by the Regional Prisons Commander, Mr Godfrey Kumakech, Senior Superintendent of Prisons.
The games feature a range of sporting disciplines, including football, netball, handball and athletics, among others. The competition brings together officers and staff from the participating institutions in a period of sport, teamwork and interaction.
For the Uganda Prisons Service, participation in the Inter-Forces Games provides an opportunity for its officers to promote fitness, discipline and teamwork while strengthening working relations with sister security institutions.
As competition gets underway in Gulu, the participating forces are expected to battle for honors while upholding the values of fair play, discipline and mutual respect that define the Inter-Forces Games.
The 18th Inter-Forces Games are scheduled to run from 22 August to 5 September 2026.
