The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) will host the 18th Edition of the Interforces Games and Shooting Championship from 22 August to 05 September 2026 in Gulu City, under the theme “Building Synergy through Sports.”
In addition to hosting, UPDF teams will actively compete across all disciplines alongside sister forces, namely the Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Service, and Uganda Wildlife Authority.
The objectives of the Games are:
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- Enhancing fitness and discipline to improve operational readiness.
- Strengthening inter-agency cooperation and fostering camaraderie among security bodies.
- Promoting civil–military relations to build community confidence and solidarity with the public.
- Identifying sporting talent within the forces.
- Promoting health and reducing stress within the forces.
The disciplines to be competed in include football, netball, volleyball, athletics, taekwondo, darts, handball, and target shooting.
The Opening Ceremony will be held on 24 August 2026 at St. Joseph’s College Layibi, Gulu City, while the Closing Ceremony will take place on 04 September 2026 at the same venue.
The 17th Edition was hosted by the Uganda Police Force in November 2023 at Kabalye Police Training School, and the UPDF is honoured to continue this tradition by hosting the 18th Edition in Gulu City.
The UPDF calls upon the public to support and participate in this important event, which not only strengthens the bonds among the security forces but also enhances solidarity with the communities we serve.
