Hon. Huda Oleru Pledges To Advocate For Sports Budget Increase For Security Forces

The Minister of State for Defence (Veteran Affairs), Hon. Huda Oleru Abason has pledged to advocate for the increase in the sports budget for the security forces from the Ministry of Education and Sports especially for the construction of sports infrastructure.

Hon. Huda made the promise during the closure of the 17^th Edition of the Inter-Forces Games at Kabalye Police Training School in Masindi.

The Minister observed that sports is no longer just a leisure activity, but it now generates income consequently improving the lives of those engaged in them.

Hon Huda lauded the security forces for providing security and protecting people’s lives and property. “Unlike in the past years when civilians would sleep in the bush while worried for the safety of their lives, you have changed history by creating peace and stability, we don’t take it for granted,” Hon Huda said.

Minister Huda encouraged all the people to engage in sports activities because it improves their health and standard of living.

The Chief of Staff – Reserve Forces, Brig Gen Ssekiranda Mwanje who represented the UPDF Joint Chief of Staff noted that sports are not limited to only physical wellness and security of Uganda but it goes beyond to instil conscious discipline amongst the forces, comradeship, unity and builds relationships between the forces the civilians.

Brig Gen Mwanje thanked participants in the various disciplines and said, “All are winners, no villains because together we compete and together, we win.”

AIGP Charles Birungi who represented the Inspector General of Police thanked all security agencies for their participation and the support they rendered towards the organizing competition.

Assistant Commissioner of Prisons Dr. George Muge who represented the Commissioner General of Prisons commended all participants for exhibiting good discipline during their participation in the games.

The 17^th Edition was based on the theme; “Fostering wellness and inter-agency Cooperation for a safe and secure Uganda.”

Uganda Police Force emerged as the overall winner, Uganda Prisons Service, second, Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, third and Uganda Wildlife Authority came fourth.

Various disciplines that were participated in included Shooting Range, Volleyball, Athletics, Taekwondo Football, Netball, Handball and Darts.

The 18^th Edition of Inter-Forces Games will be organized by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces.

The closing ceremony was attended by the UPDF Chief of Education and Sports Col DK Taremwa, UPDF Director of Sports, Col Ssemanda, Manager Communications Uganda Wildlife Authority Bashir Hangi, and representatives from sister security agencies, among others.