UPDF athletes preparing for the Birmingham 2027 Invictus Games have received sports equipment from the Invictus Games Foundation to support their training and rehabilitation. The equipment was handed over on Friday at the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces Rehabilitation and Vocational Centre (DFRVC) in Mubende.
Uganda is the 26th member of the Invictus Games community, an international sporting movement that uses sport to support the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded, injured and sick service personnel. The Joint Staff Political Commissariat, Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko, described Uganda’s participation as a new chapter in the rehabilitation and empowerment of injured service personnel.
He commended the Invictus Games Foundation and Play Hope Uganda for supporting Uganda’s athletes and improving the sporting infrastructure at the rehabilitation centre. “Ladies of Play Hope Uganda, you have made us proud today. Some of the items we have received are of great value addition, including improvements to the court. For now, let us give them a big applause,” Masiko said.
He urged the athletes preparing for Birmingham to remain disciplined and committed to their training. “Success comes to those who are prepared. Let us not just go, but go with skill,” he said. Masiko also commended the Commandant of DFRVC, Brig. Gen. Moses Kwikiriza, for improvements at the centre, particularly in infrastructure, rehabilitation services and training programmes.
He assured injured service personnel at the centre that the UPDF and the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs would continue to support their welfare, dignity, and reintegration into productive lives—the Joint Staff Formal Education, Sports and Culture, Maj. Gen. Richard Karemire, described the donation as a vote of confidence in the resilience and potential of Ugandan competitors.
He said the equipment would encourage the athletes to train with renewed determination as they prepare to represent Uganda at the Birmingham 2027 Games. Karemire reaffirmed the UPDF’s commitment to the values of courage, recovery and camaraderie associated with the Invictus Games, saying Uganda’s team would represent the country with honour.
Play Hope Uganda Director Annet Nakamya pledged continued technical support to the athletes. She said the donated items, which include sportswear, weightlifting equipment and footballs, would strengthen the athletes’ training and boost their confidence ahead of the Games.
The handover ceremony was attended by DFRVC Deputy Commandant Brig. Gen. Richard Walekula, Assistant Commissioner for Planning in the Directorate of Veteran Affairs Harriet Nabunnya, UPDF Staff Officer for Sports Maj. Henry Mwijuka and other officials-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
