UPDF athletes excel at the Africa Military Games in Abuja

UPDF boxers showcased their skills at the second edition of the Africa Military Games in Abuja on Monday.

By Tuesday, after five days of action, the team of seven boxers had secured four gold medals and two silver medals. Geoffrey Ochan led the charge, stopping his opponent, Nigerian Akeem Adebamisi, in the second minute of the second round of their bantamweight bout.

Team captain Innocent Amoko continued the winning streak for the Ugandans by defeating Nigeria’s Qozeem Qoyum on points.

UPDF team in Abuja

However, UPDF’s James Jopyem fell to Kenya’s Stephen Onaja in the final, settling for silver. Similarly, Adam Jamidali lost to Algerian Kanoun Ousssum on points, earning another silver.

The UPDF women also delivered golden performances. Joyce Kugonza and Erina Namutebi won gold after defeating Nigerians Pamilerin Akintayo and Blessing Oben on points, respectively.

“I feel happy and proud to have won gold because it is my first time competing abroad. We trained seriously for this event, and our hard work paid off,” Amoko told the media after his bout.

Earlier, UPDF athletes Ruth Cheptoyek and Emily Chebet won silver and bronze in the women’s marathon, which was won by Tanzania’s Magdalena Shauri with a time of 2:36:29. Cheptoyek finished in 2:41:07, while Chebet clocked 2:44:10, ensuring a successful outing for the duo.

The podium finishers from the marathon Ruth Cheptoyek (left), Tanzania’s Magdalena Shauri and Emily Chebet (right) pose with their medals. Courtesy photo

The stage is now set for Olympian Leonard Chemutai (3000m), David Kipsisey (1500m), Bernina Idwara (400m), and John Ocira and James Ariti (200m) to emulate their colleagues in the remaining races.

Brigadier General Richard Karemire, the Joint Staff Officer for Formal Education, Sports, and Culture, commended the team and the UPDF leadership for their unwavering support.

“Special thanks go to our Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for all his support. The sportsmen have done great work; they prepared well for the tournament, and these are the fruits of their hard work,” said Karemire.