UPDF athletes and boxers head to Nigeria for Africa Military Games

The Commander of the Joint Staff Brigade of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Dr. Joseph Lucky Kidega, has urged the UPDF team heading to Abuja for the second edition of the Africa Military Games to aim for gold.

A 27-member UPDF contingent, including athletes, boxers, and officials, led by Brigadier General Richard Karemire, the Joint Staff Formal Education, Sports, and Culture in the UPDF, will fly out on Thursday to compete in the games scheduled for November 18-30 in Abuja, Nigeria.

“UPDF, which started as the NRA, went to the bush, fought, and came out with gold. That is why Uganda is at peace and why you are practicing sport,” Kidega noted at the flag-off of the team at the Bombo Military Headquarters yesterday.

He thanked the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for ensuring that UPDF is represented at the African Games this year. He noted that the games will unite the Ugandan contingent with other African nations.

The UPDF boxing team members that will represent Uganda at the second edition of the Africa Military Games in Nigeria pose with UBF president Moses Muhangi (centre). Photo by Michael Nsubuga

“Fear not and cause no chaos, follow the rules of the game and attain success. That will give us hope that the team we sent has not only gone for adventure but has done something for the country, so I give you a blessing from Uganda’s God,” Kidega stated.

Karemire expressed pride that UPDF and Uganda will be participating in the games, noting that they are not only going to compete but also to serve as UPDF ambassadors at a continental level.

“The team will not only be competing to win but also to solidify the African brotherhood that always unites us,” Karemire said.

He explained that the games are organized under the auspices of the Organisation for Military Sports in Africa (OSMA) to promote ties of friendship between nations, which is why they are organized under the theme ‘friendship through sports’.

“The games will offer us an opportunity to promote ties of friendship and cooperation between our nations, which is why they are organized under that theme. Promoting the spirit of Pan Africanism does not stop at the battlefront but also extends through sports,” he added.

He expressed sadness over the passing of Sergeant Rebecca Cheptegei, a would-be participant, and a minute of silence was observed in her honor.

“We have put together a very versatile team ready to compete and win,” he said.

He acknowledged the full support of the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and the entire leadership of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, who have ensured the team’s travel.

He also thanked Uganda Airlines for their generosity in offering discounted tickets for the contingent.

The event was attended by NCS General Secretary Patrick Ogwel and the UBF and UAF presidents, Charles Muhangi and Domenic Otucet, respectively. Muhangi announced that his federation will pay UGX 1 million, sh750,000, and sh500,000 for any gold, silver, or bronze medals won by the boxers on the contingent.

The boxing team, coached by Tonny Ssekabira and Micheal Ssekabembe, with Mawejje Nsibwe as team manager, includes Geofrey Ochan, James Japyem, Innocent Amoko, Harod Mukuye, Adam Nsereko, Joyce Kugonza, and Erina Namutebi.

Reigning Rwenzori Marathon winner Emily Chebet leads the athletics team alongside Olympian Leonard Chemutai, Ruth Cheptoyek, Priscilla Chelangat, John Ocira, James Ariti, Peninah Idwara, and David Kipsisey, under the guidance of manager Julius Ogwang and team coach Daniel Okiror.