Organisers of the 2023 Karamoja Games will use this year's games to drum up unity, security, and food production in the area.

The games that have been rescheduled for December 5 to 9 will be held at John Pope II. Memorial College in Kabong district, Karamoja sub-region.

The Karamoja Games was an initiative put in place to bring together all the nine districts of the Karamoja sub-region through sports. The games were last held in 2023 in Nakapiripirit district.
 
“Karamoja Games address three aspects of regional importance, education, talent search, and unity for youth in and out of school,” Jimmy Achuda, Manager of Karamoja Games said.

Karamoja Games being launched last year in Nakapiripirit

According to Achuda, a four-day competition will see athletes showcase talents in athletics, football netball, woodball, and volleyball. 

“We have put in a lot of hope in ensuring that Karamoja games unearth talents that are barren down in communities of Karamoja. Therefore, the best-performing players are selected to participate in major national events,” Achuda narrates.

The fourth edition of Karamoja Games this year in Kabong is expected to register competitors in Abim, Moroto, Napaka, Nakapiripirit, Kaabong, Nabilatuk, Kotido, Amudat and Karenga districts.

Kabong district chairperson Meri Jino Bond added that they are working together with another district leader to have the games played.

“This is a good initiative aimed at preaching peace and unity using sports in the region and as a government, we have to support it,” Jino.  

Kabong district Sports Officer Steven Akileng, one of the local organizing committee chairpersons said they have already prepared areas for accommodation, playing fields, and human resources ahead of the games.

“We have already identified schools such as John Pope II. Memorial College, Kaabong SSS, and nearby Primary schools where athletics will be accommodated,” Akileng notes.

 Akileng is optimistic that sports activities in the region will foster teamwork and development of the region