The 15th edition of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) tournament kicked off on Sunday in Mbarara City. The annual and rotational 14-day event is hosted at Ntare playground in the Mbarara City North division. A total of 19 football and 12 netball teams are participating in the tournament. The teams are drawn from divisions and all formations of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces.

The soccer cup launch started with a procession from the 2nd division barrack to Ntare playgrounds.  Brig. Gen. Paul Muhanguzi, the second division commander represented CDF at the 14-day event launch.  In the opening games, the tournament host 2nd division beat Kaweweta with 3-2 goals while CMI and 2nd division drew in 35-35 goals taking one point each in the Netball game. Motorized Infantry Nakasongola was the champion of last year’s tournament.

This year’s tournament is held under the theme “Enhancing the culture of physical fitness through sports in fulfillment of the strategic directive on the control of non-communicable diseases”

In his opening remarks, Brig. Gen. Muhanguzi emphasized discipline as a core principle that will guarantee a successful tournament. He challenged players that as they are playing, they should bear in mind that civilians are watching them and should display the highest level of professionalism and be a good example. “You must be a leading example. We expect a high level of discipline and professionalism playing football, You don’t only play among yourselves but you attract those who come to watch your games, we don’t want to see rough games deliberately injuring one another, Play smart games and win smartly we shall appreciate the standard of football,” He stated. Your games should send a message to supporters to show that UPDF doesn’t only know how to shoot guns but is good in other fields including sports.

Col.John Mark Ssemanda, the director of sports UPDF said every year the tournament is hosted in different areas. He said the tournament is meant to earmark talent and help soldiers to practice their skills in sports and to show the general public that UPDF participates in different activities other than holding a gun. Healthwise they are mindful to help the community to fight against different diseases. They are looking at cohesion in UPDF by bringing all the formations together.

He said at the end of the tournament several awards including bulls will be given to the winning teams. The event is sponsored by Wazalendo SACCO. Lt Col Yusuf Magero Buha, who represented CEO Wazalendo SACCO, hailed the tournament and said their presence was to extend their corporate social responsibility.  

He said the tournament will among others promote the health of soldiers. Mbarara City South division deputy RCC Moses Aruho and other leaders in Mbarara City hailed UPDF for bringing the tournament to Mbarara City saying it will boost the economy of Mbarara City and also promote a bondage between UPDF and the community. CDF soccer cup was launched in 1988 during the time of Gen.Salim Saleh. The 14th edition was held in Fort Portal hosted at Buhinga Stadium.

According to the fixtures finals will be played on September 23rd this year.