Uganda Police Taekwondo team shines with overall Silver at Africa Police Championships in Kenya

By Emmanuel Sekago

The Uganda Police Taekwondo Team registered a historic achievement on the continental stage after emerging first runners-up overall at the 2nd Africa Police Taekwondo Championships held in Nairobi, Kenya.

The week-long championship, which ran from May 26 to May 31, 2026, brought together police taekwondo teams from across Africa under a shared commitment to promoting professionalism, discipline, unity and friendship through sport.

Uganda Police Force was represented by a team of nine officers who delivered an outstanding performance to secure the overall silver trophy and cement Uganda’s growing reputation in police taekwondo competitions on the continent.

The team returned home with an impressive medal haul that included two gold medals, two silver medals and two bronze medals.

Police Constable (PC) Ocira Oswaldo and PC Wakurwoth Cranima won Uganda’s two gold medals, while PC Ocen Innocent secured an individual silver medal in the over 80kg category and also contributed to the team’s silver medal finish in the team sparring event.

The bronze medals were won by PC Mugweri Christopher and PC Adye Faith, who both displayed resilience and determination throughout the championship.

In recognition of his exceptional performance, PC Ocira Oswaldo was named Best Male Player of the Tournament, further highlighting Uganda’s dominance at the competition.

Beyond the medals, Uganda Police also received several prestigious individual accolades.

Team Manager Malavu Peter was awarded the African Police Taekwondo Union (APTU) Knight Medal in recognition of his contribution towards promoting unity among police officers through taekwondo.

Uganda’s head coach, Corporal (CPL) Ebalu Walter, was named Best Male Coach of the Tournament. He was also honoured with the Knight of APTU Medal for his contribution to the development of police taekwondo.

Another Knight of APTU Medal was awarded to PC Adye Faith for the resilience and fighting spirit she exhibited throughout the championship.

Other members of the Ugandan team, including PC Ayo Veronica and PC Anyeko Isabella Odoch, reached the quarterfinal stage before exiting the competition after spirited performances.

As part of the championship programme, the Ugandan contingent also participated in a specialized self-defence technical seminar conducted by officials from the World Police Taekwondo Federation headquarters in South Korea on Sunday, May 31, 2026.

The seminar focused on modern self-defence techniques, technical advancement and capacity building for law enforcement officers using taekwondo as a professional development tool.

The championship itself marked another significant milestone for African police sports, with Kenya successfully hosting the second edition of the continental event.

Several high-profile dignitaries attended the competition, including World Police Taekwondo Federation President Mr. Bang Seong Ho, Sports Kenya Director General Mr. Timothy Kilimo, Kenya Taekwondo Federation President Major Suleiman Sumba, Kenya Police Service Officer Commanding Sports Mr. Tom Okoth, Kenya Police Taekwondo Federation President Mr. Jared Ojuok, and the Consul and Police Attaché at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Kenya, Mr. Youngjae Kwon.

Speaking during the event, World Police Taekwondo Federation President Mr. Bang Seong Ho commended Kenya’s growing role in promoting taekwondo development across Africa.

He noted that Africa possesses enormous potential for the growth of the sport and reaffirmed the Federation’s commitment to supporting development programmes, training opportunities and continental competitions aimed at strengthening taekwondo across the region.

Uganda’s impressive performance in Nairobi not only reflects the growing strength of the Uganda Police Taekwondo Team but also demonstrates the country’s increasing competitiveness on the continental stage.

The overall silver trophy, individual awards and technical achievements earned in Nairobi will undoubtedly serve as motivation for the team as they continue preparing for future regional and international competitions.

The Uganda Police Team

IP Malavu Peter – Team leader/Administrator

CPL EBALU WALTER – Team coach

PC Ocira Oswaldo – Player/ Team captain

PC Wakurwoth Cranima – player

PC Mugweri Christopher – Player

PC Ocen Innocent – Player

PC Adye Faith – Player

PC Ayo Veronica – Player

PC Anyeko Isabella Odoch- Player