Interforces Games Open in Gulu as Security Chiefs Push Greater Cooperation

What the report says

The 18th Interforces Games have opened in Gulu, drawing personnel from four Ugandan uniformed institutions: the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Service and Uganda Wildlife Authority. According to Nile Post, the event began on Monday at St Joseph’s College Layibi under the theme “Building Synergy Through Sports.”

Security leaders used the opening to emphasize that the games are meant to do more than crown sporting winners. Defence and Veteran Affairs Minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka said the annual competition can reinforce unity, discipline, teamwork, professionalism and respect among personnel whose mandates differ but who serve the same country. Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Sam Okiding and other senior officials echoed that message, saying sport helps build cohesion and operational readiness across the security sector.

Maj Gen Richard Karemire, who oversees formal education, sports and culture in the joint staff, said physical fitness is closely tied to preparedness in uniformed services. State Minister for Internal Affairs Juma Witonze added that such events help personnel practice cooperation, humility in victory and resilience in defeat while improving working relationships between agencies. Maj Gen Wilberforce Sserunkuma, commander of the 4 Infantry Division, also framed the games as a way to strengthen mutual respect rather than simply chase medals.

The opening football match ended 1-1 between Uganda Wildlife Authority and the UPDF. More broadly, the games reflect a common practice in security institutions of using sports to build morale and inter-agency coordination, especially in a regional center like Gulu that has seen renewed development in recent years.