UPDF to host Interforces Games as security agencies converge on Gulu
Speaking on behalf of the organising committee, the officials said the UPDF will host the games this year alongside the Police, Prisons and UWA, in keeping with the annual hosting rotation among the country's security agencies.
UPDF to host Interforces Games as security agencies converge on Gulu By Simon Masaba (L-R) David Okiring, the Head of Sports Uganda Prisons Service, Rachael Kawala, the Spokesperson Kampala Metropolitan Uganda Police, Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Kulu, UPDF, Rusoke Kituuma Spokesperson Uganda Police Force, Frank Baine Spokesperson Uganda Prisons, Henry Obbo Deputy Spokesperson UPDF, Bashir Hangi Spokesperson Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Jimmy Anguzi pose for a photo after a press conference at the Uganda media Centre on August 17, 2026. (Photo by Nancy Nanyonga) Uganda's security forces have announced that the 18th Interforces Games and Shooting Championship will take place in Gulu city from August 22 to September 5, 2026, with the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) hosting this year's edition. The announcement was made on Monday (August 17) at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala by a joint team of spokespersons representing the participating security agencies: Bashir Hangi of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Rusoke Kituuma of the Uganda Police Force, Frank Baine of the Uganda Prisons Service, Jimmy Onguzu, sports spokesperson for Prisons, Racheal Kawala of the Kampala Metropolitan Police, Lt Col Andrew Kuru, and Henry Obbo, the deputy UPDF spokesperson. Speaking on behalf of the organising committee, the officials said the UPDF will host the games this year alongside the Police, Prisons and UWA, in keeping with the annual hosting rotation among the country's security agencies. They explained that the games are designed to enhance fitness and discipline among personnel, improve operational readiness, and strengthen inter-agency cooperation and command across Uganda's security forces. The event also aims to promote cooperation between the different forces, encourage better health and reduce stress among officers, and scout new sporting talent that could go on to represent the country at national level. "Some of our personnel have in the past been
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Uganda's security forces have announced that the 18th Interforces Games and Shooting Championship will take place in Gulu city from August 22 to September 5, 2026, with the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) hosting this year's edition.
The announcement was made on Monday (August 17) at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala by a joint team of spokespersons representing the participating security agencies: Bashir Hangi of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Rusoke Kituuma of the Uganda Police Force, Frank Baine of the Uganda Prisons Service, Jimmy Onguzu, sports spokesperson for Prisons, Racheal Kawala of the Kampala Metropolitan Police, Lt Col Andrew Kuru, and Henry Obbo, the deputy UPDF spokesperson.
Speaking on behalf of the organising committee, the officials said the UPDF will host the games this year alongside the Police, Prisons and UWA, in keeping with the annual hosting rotation among the country's security agencies.
The event also aims to promote cooperation between the different forces, encourage better health and reduce stress among officers, and scout new sporting talent that could go on to represent the country at national level.
"Some of our personnel have in the past been identified through these games and gone on to contribute to Uganda's wider sports fraternity," Obbo noted.
Disciplines and schedule
The opening ceremony is scheduled for August 24, 2026, at St Joseph's College, Layibi, in Gulu city, with the closing ceremony set to take place at the same venue on September 4, 2026.
The 17th edition of the championship was hosted by the Police in 2023.
The UPDF, together with its sister security organs, the Police, Prisons Service and UWA, have invited members of the public to attend the games as spectators as part of efforts to build solidarity and reinforce the spirit of cooperation that underpins Uganda's security forces.
No fees will be charged for spectators.