The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has been crowned champion in both netball and men’s handball at the 2026 Interforces Games held at St Joseph College Layibi Stadium in Gulu City.
The UPDF netball team secured the title after a closely contested final against the Uganda Prisons Service. The match ended in a 40-40 draw, with the UPDF emerging winners on aggregate after a 5-4 advantage.
The match attracted enthusiastic support from spectators, who described it as one of the most exciting encounters of the tournament. Uganda Prisons initially dominated proceedings and put the UPDF under pressure, before the military side regained momentum as its supporters rallied behind the team with army songs and chants.
UPDF netball coach Andrew Waswa attributed the victory to the players’ commitment, dedication and discipline throughout the tournament.
Waswa also thanked God for the achievement and commended the UPDF leadership for providing the team with the necessary support and resources during the competition.
In men’s handball, the UPDF team also emerged champions after defeating the Uganda Police Force 33-27 in the final.
However, in the women’s handball final, the Uganda Police Force defeated the UPDF 36-23 to claim the title.
The Interforces Games bring together teams from Uganda’s security forces to promote teamwork, discipline, physical fitness and cooperation through sport.
The games are held under the theme, “Building Synergy Through Sports.”
