Gulu City Mayor, Acire Julius Labeja, said the return of peace has enabled the city to emerge as an important centre for sporting activities.
By Willy Chowoo
GULU
Senior UPDF officers have commended President Yoweri Museveni for what they described as the restoration of peace in northern Uganda following decades of civil unrest that claimed lives, displaced millions of people and disrupted livelihoods across the sub-region.
Deputy Commander of the UPDF Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Lt Gen Sam Okiding, said he was excited to return to Acholi, a region that was once characterised by gunfire but is now enjoying relative peace.
“The noise which was in Acholi land was gun,” adding that, guns sounded too much, but it has gone silent now.”
Lt Gen Okiding made the remarks on Monday while presiding over the opening of the 18th edition of the Inter-Force Games and Shooting Competition hosted by the UPDF 4th Infantry Division in Gulu City.
He said the UPDF is now contributing to rebuilding the sub-region by supporting initiatives that promote talent development through sports and games.
“Games build and strengthen national cohesion, this exercise brings us together.” He notes.
Defence and Veteran Affairs Minister Kirwoya Kiwunuka also applauded President Museveni for ending the prolonged insurgency in northern Uganda.
“The sound now is different, from war to Peace.” Kirwoya adds.
He said the change from conflict to peace demonstrates the importance of unity, teamwork and professionalism among security forces working towards a common purpose.
Gulu emerges as sports hub
Gulu City Mayor, Acire Julius Labeja, said the return of peace has enabled the city to emerge as an important centre for sporting activities.
Labeja noted that Gulu hosted two national sporting events in July, including the Uganda Health Training Institutions National Ball Games, The Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA).
The two events attracted more than 5,000 people to the city, which the mayor says has boosted the local economy.
“This is a good boost to the economy of the city.” He adds.
The 18th edition of the Inter-Force Games and Shooting Competition is being held under the theme, “Building Synergies Through Sports.”
The week-long event is taking place at St Joseph’s College Layibi and runs until September 4, 2026.
The competition has attracted personnel from the UPDF, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Prisons Service and Uganda Police Force.
Participants are competing in disciplines including football, netball, athletics and shooting.
UPDF pledges support to Layibi
As part of its engagement with the host community, the UPDF has pledged to construct permanent toilet facilities at St Joseph’s College Layibi.
The school’s head teacher, Otii Nyeko Walter, thanked the UPDF for its support, particularly for opening opportunities for children of members of the armed forces to study at the school regardless of their academic performance.
Maj Gen. Richard Karemire, chief of education, sports and culture in the UPDF and Chairperson of the Central Organising Committee for the Inter-Force Games and Shooting Competition, said the event gives security agencies an opportunity to improve their physical fitness while serving the country.
“This strengthens vital relationships between the army and the people we serve.” He adds.
The competition is also intended to strengthen cooperation and interaction among the participating security institutions while promoting physical fitness, teamwork and national cohesion.
