Defence minister hails CDF Gen. Kainerugaba for uniting forces through sports

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The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, has hailed the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for his efforts towards uniting the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) through sports and games.

Kiwanuka made the remarks during the official opening of this year’s (2026) 18^th Edition of the Inter-Forces Games that commenced at St. Joseph’s College Layibi Secondary School in Gulu City on Monday, August 24, 2026.

This year's theme is: ‘Building synergy through sports'.

Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) playmaker Media Matovu (No. 20) contesting for the ball with UPDF's Oscar Agaba (No. 20) in the opening encounter of the Inter-Force-Games. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. (Photo by Dennis Ojwee)

Kiwanuka said the Inter-Forces Games unite officers and men of the UPDF, Uganda Prisons Service (UPS), Uganda Police Force (UPF) and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

“In a special way, I would like to thank the CDF, Gen. Muhoozi Keinerugaba, for the good work he is doing to unite the forces through games and sports. After this tournament, there is even the CDF tournament, still here in Gulu City. This is wonderful, and we pray it should continue,” said Kiwanuka.

The minister, who said he was confused about which team to support, cautioned players on either side to play fairly, observe the FIFA (Federation of International Football Association) rules of the game and avoid getting injured.

“When it comes to the nature of security work, both sides need to be safe. So, I urge players to be mindful of each other's safety,” the minister added.

The state minister for Internal Affairs, Juma Witonze, in his first formal function since his appointment, cautioned players in each of the teams to observe integrity.

“As you participate in your respective sports disciplines, especially in the gun-shooting range championship, ensure high standards of safety for participants, officials and spectators throughout the sports activity. I urge you to compete fairly. Win or lose fairly and do not compromise discipline to win,” said Witonze.

The UPDF Joint Staff Formal Education Sports and Culture officer, Maj. Gen. Richard Karemire, said the games and sports were more than competitions.  

“The games provide platforms to promote physical fitness, discipline, teamwork, and leadership, seasonal pride among personnel, unity and peace across the forces,” said Karemire.

UWA's goalkeeper, Ronald Mutebi (No. 18), makes a crucial aerial save from a tough challenge by the UPDF attackers in the penalty area during the opening games of the 18th edition of the 2026 Inter-Forces Games at St. Joseph's College Layibi on August 24 in Gulu City. (Photo by Dennis Ojwee)

The UPDF Deputy CDF, Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, said the games play a big role in building national cohesion and bringing unity.

“I, therefore, call upon all the players to play with love for one another as God stated in the gospel according to St. Mark. Here, in northern Uganda, the noise of the gun was too much. Now the guns are silent. There is no more tear gas. Even the national budget for tear gas is reduced because there is peace that we should all embrace and consolidate,” said Okiding.

Many officers attended the function from UPDF, UWA, UPS, and UPF.

The one-week inter-forces games are expected to end on September 4, 2026.