Surveyors’ sports gala promotes unity and highlights safety concerns

The Institution of Surveyors of Uganda (ISU) hosted its inaugural sports gala over the weekend at Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium, bringing together 16 professional associations under the theme “Stop Violence Against Surveyors.”

The tournament culminated in a thrilling final where the Land Surveyors and Mappers Department of the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development emerged victorious. They defeated the Public Infrastructure Department of the Ministry of Works in a tense penalty shootout, winning 5-3.

Individual accolades were awarded to standout performers:

• Godfrey Toko (Department of Survey and Mapping) – Best Goalkeeper
• Edrine Kagaba (Uganda Society of Architects) – Top Scorer
• Flammy Arop (Institute of Survey and Land Management, Entebbe) – Most Valuable Player (MVP)

Participants included various chapters such as Quantity Surveying, Mining and Hydrological Surveying, Valuation Surveying, and representatives from institutions like Makerere University, Kyambogo University, and Mengo Senior School.

Sponsored by Stanbic Bank Uganda Limited, the event aimed to foster camaraderie among professionals while raising awareness about the challenges surveyors face in the field.

Sports Commisioner Duncans Mugumya hands over the winner trophy to the Land Surveyors and Mappers department of the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development at Hamz. Courtesy photo

Rev. Canon Dr. Duncans Mugumya, Commissioner for Sports and Physical Education, who represented the State Minister of Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, emphasized the importance of sports for health and well-being.

“This initiative aligns with the Ministry’s holistic approach to learning, advocating for involvement in co-curricular activities beyond the traditional classroom and office environments,” he stated. Dr. Mugumya added that physical activities can significantly enhance workplace performance.

Alozius Gonza, President of the Institution of Surveyors Uganda (ISU), praised the spirited competition that showcased the talent of participants. He also addressed the pressing issue of violence against surveyors, noting that recent attacks on professionals in the field threaten their safety and work.

“This gala will become an annual event on our calendar,” Gonza announced, expressing gratitude to sponsors like Stanbic Bank Uganda, Hamz Group, and the Uganda Institute of Professional Engineers (UIPE) for their support in making the event possible.

Gonza highlighted that the successful gala not only provided a platform for sportsmanship but also underscored the importance of safety and recognition for surveyors in Uganda. He emphasized that such initiatives pave the way for future efforts aimed at promoting the welfare of surveyors.

Background on Violence Against Surveyors
Surveyors in Uganda have increasingly faced violent attacks while on duty, often resulting in injuries or fatalities. Notable incidents include the arson of a car owned by land surveyors in Luweero District and attacks on mining surveyors in Karamoja in 2022. These attacks are often linked to tensions with local communities, particularly in areas where residents have been evicted from land.