UPDF launches physical evaluation workshop to boost athletes’ safety ahead of 2027 CDF Cup

By Emmanuel Sekago

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has opened a Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation workshop at the Land Forces Headquarters aimed at promoting athletes’ health, physical fitness and safety ahead of upcoming sports competitions.

While opening the workshop, the Joint Staff for Formal Education, Sports and Culture, Maj Gen Richard Karemire, commended the UPDF leadership for promoting sports within the force and beyond, noting that sporting activities play a significant role in fostering friendship and cooperation among security forces at local, regional and international levels.

Karemire emphasised that physical fitness is essential for improving personal health, enhancing mental well-being and preventing diseases, urging sports officers and personnel to prioritise proper training, planning and preparation ahead of major competitions.

He called on those responsible for sports within the force to ensure that athletes are adequately prepared for the 18th edition of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Cup competitions, scheduled to take place in Gulu in 2027.

The General also revealed that the UPDF would participate in the 2027 Invictus Games in the United Kingdom, an international sporting event that uses sport to support the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded, injured and sick service personnel.

The workshop is designed to equip sports officers and relevant personnel with knowledge and skills to assess athletes’ medical fitness before they participate in competitive sports.

The evaluations will include cardiovascular examinations, blood pressure checks, musculoskeletal assessments and body mass index (BMI) measurements to identify potential health risks and determine athletes’ suitability for participation.

These assessments are expected to help identify underlying medical conditions, reduce the risk of sports-related complications and promote the well-being of personnel taking part in demanding sporting activities.

Pre-participation medical evaluations are an important component of sports preparation, particularly in military settings where athletes may be required to perform under physically demanding conditions.

The initiative also underscores the UPDF’s commitment to integrating health and safety measures into its sports programmes as preparations intensify for the forthcoming CDF Cup competitions.

Among those in attendance were the Director of Sports, Lt Col Andrew Kulu; UPDF Sports In-charge, Maj Henry Mwijuka; and sports officers representing various UPDF services and divisions.

The workshop is expected to strengthen the capacity of military sports personnel to assess athletes’ readiness, promote safe participation and support improved performance across the force’s sporting activities.