The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) 3 Infantry Division Female Netball Team has won the North East Regional Sports League championship title following an unbeaten campaign in Kumi District.
The Moroto-based military side secured its trophy at the Kumi Municipal Grounds, automatically earning a qualification spot in the upcoming National Netball Playoffs. The team outperformed 12 rival regional contenders from the Teso, Bukedea, Karamoja, Ngora, and Soroti City districts. The soldiers maintained a flawless winning streak throughout the tournament before defeating the Kumi Diamonds 31–15 in a highly competitive final match. Top military commanders noted that the sports victory mirrors the operational discipline that the defense forces require during conventional security deployments.
The Deputy Division Commander, Brig Gen Kyangungu, delivered a congratulatory message on behalf of the Commander of the 3 Infantry Division, Maj Gen Wilberforce Sserunkuma. He praised the athletes for their tactical endurance, especially after several core players exited the squad for active military deployments and professional promotional courses.
“You went to Kumi and did more than compete; you dominated," Brig Gen Kyangungu stated. "This trophy is a testament to your discipline, teamwork, and endurance. You represented the Division with skill, respect, and the fighting spirit for which the UPDF is known.”
The Deputy Commander urged the players to maintain their rigorous training schedules to ensure maximum competitiveness during the national playoff rounds. The Division Administrative Officer, Col Richard Butungi, added that the championship trophy will be permanently displayed at the Division Headquarters as an inspirational symbol of sacrifice.
“This trophy represents the dedication and determination of our female netball team," Col Richard Butungi noted. "It will be displayed at the Division Headquarters as a reminder that excellence in sports reflects the same excellence we expect in military service.”
The Team Captain, Pte Winnie Kimono, dedicated the regional silverware to the technical coaching staff and the individual soldiers who supported their tournament logistics. She expressed optimism about the team's capacity to challenge top-tier clubs at the national level. Senior and junior officers closed the sports ceremony with a formal military parade to honor the returning athletes.
“This trophy belongs to every player who trained hard, every coach who guided us, and every soldier who supported us," Pte Winnie Kimono said. "We played as one team and one Division, and we are proud to bring this victory home.”
