Uganda wins gold at Africa Military Games in Nigeria

ABUJA - The Uganda People's Defense Force (UPDF) boxing team on November 25, 2024, delivered a stellar performance at the ongoing African Military Games in Abuja, Nigeria, winning four gold and two silver medals.

In the men's category, Private Geoffrey Ochan (light flyweight), won gold by defeating Nigeria's Adegbamiji Akeem in just two minutes during the second round.

In the men's category, Private Geoffrey Ochan (light flyweight), won gold by defeating Nigeria's Adegbamiji Akeem in just two minutes during the second round. (UPDF Photo)

Team captain, Private Amoko Innocent (light welterweight), also clinched gold after a decisive victory over Nigeria’s Qozeem Qoyum.

Bantamweight Private James Jopyem and Private Adam Jamidali (cruiserweight) both earned silver medals after defeats against Kenya’s Stephine Onaja and Algeria’s Kanoun Oussum.

In the women’s category, the UPDF team excelled, claiming two gold medals.

Uganda’s athletes are competing in boxing, track, and field events. (UPDF Photo)

Featherweight Private Joyce Kugonza outclassed Nigeria’s Pamilerin Akintayo, winning in the third minute of the second round. Light welterweight Private Erina Namutebi impressed with a victory over Nigeria’s Oben Blessing, finishing the match within regulation time.

Brig. Richard Karemire, the Joint Staff Officer for Formal Education, Sports, and Culture, commended the team and the leadership of the UPDF for their unwavering support.

"Special thanks go to our Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for all his support that has been given to us. The sportsmen have done great work, they prepared well for the tournament, and these are fruits of hard work," said Brig. Karemire.

Uganda’s athletes are competing in boxing, track, and field events.

Twenty-six nations are participating in the second edition of the Africa Military Games that kicked off on November 20, 2024, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, Nigeria, marking the return of the event after a 22-year break.

The games are held under the theme, “Enhancing Military Cooperation Through Sports”.

According to the organisers, the games aim to strengthen military solidarity across Africa, promote African cultural diversity, and foster unity among nations.