Karamoja Games revived, fourth edition to take place in Abim district

The organisers of the Karamoja Games have resolved to revive the competition, which has been silent for four years since the third edition was hosted in Nakapiripirit District in 2022.

The organising committee is currently in the final stages of preparation to ensure that the fourth edition of the tournament is rescheduled to take place from August 27 to 30, 2026, at Abim Secondary School in Abim District.

"We are ready to revive the talent search tournament in Karamoja that went silent for some years now. The stakeholders are currently finalising plans on how to make the championship as vibrant as in previous editions," said Rev. Jimmy Achuda, chairperson of the Karamoja Games.

Achuda remains optimistic that despite the abrupt break in the competition over the last three years, the games will remain as vibrant as they were in the first three editions.

The chairman of the Karamoja Games, Richard Okot, launching woodball at Nakapiripirit Primary School grounds. Photo by Gabriel Esiku

"We are hopeful that the Karamoja Games will remain vibrant like in 2018, 2022, and 2023 before they stalled due to financial constraints," said Achuda.

Richard Okot, the patron of the Karamoja Games, said the games will feature five sports disciplines: athletics, football, netball, volleyball, and woodball.

"The aim of these games is to forge unity, search for talent, and boost education in the region. This year, we expect to identify more talents that we can thereafter send to represent us at national competitions in athletics, netball, woodball, and others," Okot said.

According to Okot, athletes will compete in 5km and 10km runs, as well as in 800m and 1500m races, in addition to 100m, 200m, and 400m sprints.

Dominic Krop Naido, an athlete from the Karamoja region who took part in the first three editions, is keenly looking forward to the games.

All nine districts, Moroto, Nakapiripirit, Abim, Napak, Nabilatuk, Kaabong, Karenga, Kotido, and Amudat  are expected to take part in the championships.

The third edition, held in Nakapiripirit District, saw Moroto District named overall winner after accumulating men's and women's trophies in netball, football, and athletics, while Amudat District won the trophies in volleyball and woodball.