UPDF soldiers with trophies at the closing ceremony at Moi International Stadium in Nairobi Kenya. (Courtesy photo)

MILITARY GAMES

NAIROBI - Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) team emerged overall winners of the East Africa Community (EAC) Military Games and cultural events that ended in Nairobi, Kenya yesterday.

The team won one gold medal each in netball and volleyball, one silver medal each in both basketball and athletics at Moi International Stadium.

Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs Hon Adolf Mwesige and other senior officials at the closing ceremony at Moi International Stadium in Nairobi Kenya. (Courtesy photo)

The UPDF team, code-named "Mission Uganda" secured more success as Joseph Yiga was voted the best goalkeeper in football.

President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is the Commander in Chief of the Kenyan Armed Forces and Chief of the Golden Heart, officiated at the closure of the games. He awarded medals to the best teams and players.

The EAC competition that started on August 11, saw Rwanda finish second overall, Kenya came third, Tanzania fourth, Burundi fifth ahead of South Sudan.

Teams during a match past at the closing ceremony at Moi International Stadium in Nairobi Kenya. (Courtesy Photo)

South Sudan, making a debut in the annual contest, participated in basketball and Cross country.

The games and cultural events were held under the theme "One People, One destiny through games and cultural events."

President Kenyatta commended EAC for granting Kenya the opportunity to host the competition which he said has created a positive impact on the country in terms of cooperation and inter military relations.

He stressed that hosting the games has become a fundamental pillar for supporting efforts to build unity and objectives of the region. He congratulated the organising committee for a successful event.

"I want to remind all the participants that the biggest objective of EAC is to foster the spirit of cooperation among EAC countries," Kenyatta said.

"In the same way, I congratulate our sister country South Sudan for being part in this year's games which gives a brighter future and we look forward to their continued involvement in the next edition." 

President Uhuru Kenyatta (R) during the closing ceremony. (Courtesy Photo) 

Speaking to journalists, the UPDF Chief of Education and Sports Brig Francis Takirwa who was the head of Uganda's delegation attributed the team's excellent performance to ample preparations prior to the trip, good facilitation from the UPDF leadership and discipline of the participants.

He noted that without cooperation and brotherhood, the games cannot have any impact on the EAC partner states.

Uganda's delegation at the closing ceremony had the Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs Hon Adolf Mwesige and the Chief of Defence Forces Gen David Muhoozi among other leaders in attendance.

A UPDF soldier receiving a trophy at the closing ceremony at Moi International Stadium in Nairobi Kenya. (Courtesy Photo)

 

South Sudan will host the 13th edition of the EAC games in 2020.