By Kampala Post Reporter
A team of 110 strong UPDF sports men and women is in Nairobi Kenya to participate in the 12th Edition of the East African Military Games and cultural events. The event that kicked off today (Sunday August 11) runs up to August 24, 2019.
Flagging off the team at Defence Headquarters in Mbuya on Saturday, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi expressed optimism that the contingent code named “Mission Uganda” will bring back home trophies as they have always done. He however cautioned the team to keep discipline while in Kenya and be good ambassadors.
“You are our ambassadors and therefore the known UPDF discipline is expected of you, respect the culture and professional values of the host country in order to exhibit a good image of Uganda and the Institution of UPDF,” Gen Mbadi emphasized. He said winning trophies is secondary but what is primary is to promote and embrace brotherhood, widening and deepening the EAC integration and enhancing the EAC treaty on cooperation in defence.
“You should deepen the EAC appreciation of the benefits of integration especially by our civilian counterparts through such events as well as strengthening interoperability with sister EAC Forces,” he added. Gen Mbadi emphasized on the promotion of sports as important in the lives of combatants since it does not only promote discipline but also enhances fitness, health and wellness.
The Uganda contingent is comprised of; Team football, Team Netball, Team Volleyball, Team Basketball and Team Cross Country together with Referees and Umpires. Mission Uganda will be under the overall leadership of Brig. Francis Takirwa the UPDF Member of Parliament while the Contingent Commander is Col John Mark Ssemanda who is also the UPDF Director of Sports.
The event will be conducted under the theme; “One people, one Destiny”. Six countries that form the EAC block are participating. They include Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.
