As Phil Douglas Jackson, the legendary most successful American NBA coach put it that a team draws its strength from every single member, and every member draws strength from the team, sport has long been integral to the Uganda Peoples’ Defense Forces (UPDF) as a tool for physical conditioning, discipline and esprit de corps.
Under a wider drive for operational fitness, units across the force routinely stage inter-departmental competitions and monthly route marches to meet the Chief of Defense Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s directives on battle readiness.
The International Peace Support Operations Training Centre (IPSO-TC) in Singo, Nakaseke District, the UPDF’s principal pre-deployment training institution for peace-support missions: maintains the same tradition, using sport to prepare troops for the physical and mental demands of deployment.
The Commandant of the International Peace Support Operations Training Centre (IPSO-TC), Col Moses Nabaasa, on 20th April 2026, officially opened the Inter-Department Football Tournament in a colorful ceremony marked by excitement, unity and sportsmanship among participants.
The tournament is being held under the theme: “Promoting Teamwork, Fitness, Discipline and Unity among Staff and the Trainees.”
In his remarks, the Commandant emphasized the importance of sport in maintaining physical fitness and operational readiness among combatants.
He called upon all personnel to actively participate in sports activities as a way of keeping fit and ensuring battle readiness.
The Commandant further announced that IPSO-TC will, every month, participate in a 20-kilometre route march in line with the Commander’s directive on physical fitness in the UPDF.
He noted that such activities help build endurance, resilience, discipline and teamwork among personnel.
He also highlighted the many benefits of sport, including healthy living, stress reduction, improved teamwork, mental alertness and stronger unity within the institution.
The opening match of the tournament was played between the Medical Department and 147 BN, BG 47, ending in a 1–1 draw after an entertaining and competitive encounter.
The Commandant expressed his sincere gratitude to the organizers for the excellent work done in planning and coordinating the tournament.
The tournament will continue until 28th April 2026. Teams are drawn into two groups:
Group A
Medical Department; 147 BN; Battle Group (BG) Headquarters /BG Component
Group B
Administration Department; Instruction Department; 149 BN
Departments are expected to compete in the spirit of friendship, discipline and excellence.
In conclusion, the Commandant urged all participants to demonstrate teamwork, fairness and commitment throughout the tournament, noting that such events are vital in building a stronger, healthier and more united force.
