The Deputy Inspector General of Government (DIGG) Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria has presided over the closing ceremony of the Commissioner General of Prisons (CGP) Cup for the Northern Region, held in Gulu City Council, as Gulu Main Prison emerged football champions.
The tournament, which brought together staff from different Prison units across the region, ran for several months before climaxing with the finals.
Gulu Main Prison defeated Lugore Prison Farm (2–1) to win the football category, while Lugore Prison Farm emerged winners of the netball competition.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, Dr. Achan commended the Uganda Prisons Service for introducing the tournament, saying such initiatives create opportunities for staff to interact, build relationships and promote their social and physical well being.
She also appreciated the cooperation between the Inspectorate of Government and the Uganda Prisons Service, noting that the two institutions have a shared interest in promoting integrity, accountability and responsible conduct among public officers.
The Inspectorate of Government has a mandate to promote good governance and combat corruption in public institutions, while prison officers, as public servants, are required to uphold professional standards and accountability in the execution of their duties.
The Regional Prisons Commander for the Northern Region, Senior Superintendent of Prisons Godfrey Kumakech, said the tournament had provided prison staff with an opportunity to take a break from their demanding duties and engage in healthy competition.
Mr. Komakech said sports had helped strengthen interaction among staff from different prison units and contributed to team spirit across the region.
Mrs. Nuru Katerega, Principal Rehabilitation and Reintegration Officer at the Prison Headquarters, said the CGP Cup was introduced as part of the Service's efforts to promote the welfare and social well being of its staff.
She said regular sporting activities help staff maintain physical fitness, manage work-related pressure and build stronger working relationships, which are important in a demanding correctional environment.
The tournament is part of a countrywide staff welfare programme under the CGP Cup, bringing together prison staff through football, netball and other sporting activities.
Several regional editions have already been completed, including South Eastern, Central and South Western, while competitions in the Mid-Western and North Eastern regions are set to crown their winners. The Kampala Extra Region tournament is also nearing completion.
The regional competitions are intended to strengthen staff interaction and promote healthy lifestyles while providing a platform for prison officers to build teamwork beyond their routine duties.
The Northern Region finale in Gulu brought together staff from different prison units to celebrate the completion of the tournament and recognize the teams that performed strongly throughout the competition.
