Engage in Sports to Keep Physically and Mentally Fit, Gen Otafire Urges Security Officers

The Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. Maj Gen (Rtd) Kahinda Otafire has encouraged members of the security forces to engage in sports so as to keep physically and mentally fit, remain healthy and maintain the existing friendship among themselves.

Gen. Otafire was on Monday speaking at the official opening of the 17th Edition of Inter-Forces Games at Kabalye Police Training School in Masindi district.

He reminded members of the security agencies to remember their obligations of protecting civilians who entrusted them with the responsibility for their lives and property.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police Maj Gen Geoffrey Tumusiime Katsigazi who represented the Inspector General of Police thanked all the security agencies for participating in this good cause and urged everyone to maintain and ensure that the existing friendship and cooperation between the forces and ‘wanainchi’ lasts. “We have been able to work together because our leaders have pursued that spirit of working together. Working together is the way of enhancing our existing discipline and networking,” Maj Gen Katsigazi said.

The Field Artillery Division (FAD) Commander Brig Gen Daniel Kakono who represented the Chief of Defence Forces told the participants that games and sports bring physical fitness, discipline and increase cooperation amongst the forces.

The 17th Edition of InterForces Games is based on the then; “Fostering Wellness and Inter-Agency Cooperation for a safe and secure Uganda.”

The ceremony started with a parade route match around Masindi Municipality and the planting of more than 200 trees at Masindi Prisons ground where people were urged to protect the environment by planting trees.

Different Sports and Games disciplines that are to be engaged in include; Football, Netball, Handball Darts, Volleyball, Athletics Taekwondo among others.

The ceremony was attended by UPDF Chief of Civil-Military Cooperation Brig Gen Rwashande, UPDF Chief of Education and Sports Col Taremwa, UPDF Senior Officers, Representatives from Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Service, Uganda Wild Life Authority, LCV Masindi district, among others.