Kampala hosts third East Africa Inter-Forces Judo Championship

80 athletes from five East African nations have converged in Kampala for the third edition of the East Africa Inter-Forces Judo Championship, taking place at the Old Kampala Arena from December 6-7.

The annual event, which grows in stature each year, has transformed the arena into a vibrant hub of martial arts skill, discipline, and regional camaraderie.

This year’s competition is driven by a strong regional mission: strengthening cooperation among East African security forces. As transnational and cross-border crimes continue to challenge regional peace, the championship serves as more than just a sporting event. It is a strategic platform for unity, understanding, and joint capacity-building.

Inspector of Police Peter Malavu, one of the key figures behind the tournament, emphasized this purpose during the opening ceremony. “These games build the capacity of East African Judo athletes to compete at international levels,” he noted, adding that sports remain an effective tool for fostering teamwork, trust, and collaboration among forces across borders.

Uganda, as the host nation, has welcomed teams from Rwanda, Kenya, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The arena is filled with suspense as defending champions Tanzania, who hosted last year’s edition, return to protect their title. Their presence adds an extra layer of excitement and rivalry, with all eyes on whether they can repeat last year’s outstanding performance.

The championship features intense individual and team bouts, with athletes showcasing not only physical strength but also precision, technique, and tactical discipline hallmarks of professional judo training within the forces. 

Organizers hope that beyond medals and accolades, the bonds formed here will strengthen regional security cooperation. For the athletes, however, the focus remains sharp: honor, pride, and the pursuit of becoming champions of the third East Africa Inter-Forces Judo Championship.