Maj Gen (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire, the Minister of Internal Affairs in Uganda has encouraged security officers to get involved in sports so as to keep physically and mentally fit, remain healthy and maintain the existing friendship amongst themselves.
General Otafiire said this while launching the 17th Edition of the Inter-Forces games that officially kicked off on Monday, November 27, 2023, at Kabalye Police Training School in Masindi district.
He called upon members of the security agencies to remember their obligations of protecting civilians who entrusted them with the responsibility of their lives and property.
The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Maj Gen Geoffrey Tumusiime Katsigazi who represented the Inspector General of Police, thanked all security agencies in Uganda for participating in this good cause, urging everyone to maintain and ensure that the existing friendship and cooperation between the forces and civilians lasts.
“We have been able to work together because our leaders have pursued that spirit of working together, because it’s a way of enhancing our existing discipline and networking,” Maj Gen Katsigazi said.
The Field Artillery Division (FAD) Commander, Brig Gen Daniel Kakono who represented the Chief of Defence Forces told the participants that games and sports bring physical fitness, discipline and increases cooperation amongst the forces.
The 17th Edition of Inter-Forces Games is based on the theme of Fostering Wellness and Inter- Agency Cooperation for a safe and secure Uganda.
The ceremony started with a parade route match around Masindi Municipality and planting of more than 200 trees at Masindi Prisons ground where people were urged to protect the environment by planting more trees.
Different Games and Sports disciplines that are being engaged in include; Football, Netball, Handball Darts, Volleyball, Athletics, and Taekwondo, among others.
The ceremony was also attended by the UPDF Chief of Civil Military Cooperation, Brig Gen Rwashande, the UPDF Chief of Education and Sports, Col Taremwa, UPDF Senior Officers, Representatives from Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Service, Uganda Wild Life Authority, and LCV Masindi district, among others.
