UPDF to Host 18th Inter-Forces Games in Gulu

By Kyeyune Ali

 The Uganda security forces have officially launched the 18th edition of the Inter-Forces Games, with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) set to host this year’s competition in Gulu City from August 22 to September 5, 2026.

The games will be held at St. Joseph’s College Layibi under the theme “Building Synergy Through Sports.”

The Inter-Forces Games bring together Uganda’s security agencies with the aim of promoting physical fitness, discipline, teamwork and professional camaraderie among security personnel. The event also seeks to strengthen civil-military relations by building community confidence, solidarity and cooperation.

Eight sporting disciplines will feature in this year’s competition: netball, football, volleyball, handball, athletics, taekwondo, darts and range shooting.

UPDF teams will compete across all the disciplines alongside sister security agencies, including the Uganda Police Force (UPF), Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

The 17th edition of the games was hosted by the Uganda Police Force in November 2023 at Kabalye Police Training School. The UPDF has now taken over hosting duties as the tradition of promoting unity and cooperation among Uganda’s security forces continues.

Beyond competition, the games are expected to provide an opportunity for the participating forces to interact with communities in Gulu and strengthen the relationship between security personnel and the public.

The UPDF has called upon the public to support and participate in the event, emphasizing that the Inter-Forces Games are not only about sporting competition but also about strengthening bonds among security agencies and enhancing solidarity with the communities they serve.