The 18th edition of the Interforces Games has officially opened in Gulu City, bringing together members of Uganda’s major security and uniformed services for a championship focused on teamwork, fitness and institutional cooperation.

The games bring together personnel from the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Uganda Police Force (UPF), Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) under the theme “Building Synergy Through Sports.”

The opening ceremony featured senior government and security officials who highlighted the role of sport in strengthening relationships among the country’s security institutions.

Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, praised President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for what he described as the restoration of peace in the Acholi sub-region, which has allowed Gulu to recover and pursue further development.

Kiwanuka said the Interforces Games should be viewed as more than a sporting competition, arguing that they create an opportunity for security personnel to develop unity, teamwork, discipline and professionalism.

He also recognised the leadership of Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba in promoting cooperation among the different security services.

“Our mandates may differ, but our purpose is to serve the nation and the country, Uganda,” Kiwanuka said.

The minister encouraged athletes and other participants to maintain discipline, respect their opponents and uphold fair play throughout the competition.

State Minister for Internal Affairs, Hon. Juma Witonze, similarly emphasised the lessons that can be drawn from sports, including teamwork, respect for rules, humility after victory and resilience when faced with defeat.

According to Witonze, the games also offer personnel from the participating institutions a chance to interact outside their routine duties, develop friendships and strengthen working relationships.

Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Sam Okiding described the event as an important platform for enhancing unity and strengthening the collective capabilities of Uganda’s security forces.

Maj Gen Richard Karemire, Joint Staff for Formal Education, Sports and Culture, thanked the 4 Infantry Division Commander for supporting the local community and acknowledged the administration of St. Joseph’s College Layibi for hosting the games.

Karemire said the presence of senior commanders and officials from the participating institutions reflected the level of cooperation existing among Uganda’s security agencies.

He added that the games serve several purposes beyond competition, particularly in encouraging physical fitness, teamwork, discipline and institutional pride.

“For security and uniformed forces, physical fitness is not just a requirement; it is an essential part of operational readiness,” Karemire said.

4 Infantry Division Commander Maj Gen Wilberforce Sserunkuma said the event should not be judged solely by the trophies and medals at stake.

He described the Interforces Games as an avenue through which personnel from different security agencies can develop mutual respect, strengthen relationships and improve cooperation.

The sporting action began with football, with the Uganda Wildlife Authority and Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces sharing the points after a 1-1 draw in the opening match.

The result marked the start of a championship intended to bring together Uganda’s uniformed services through sport while reinforcing the values of cooperation, discipline and physical readiness.