After finishing second to Kenya, in the East African Community (EAC) Military Games and Cultural Week, Uganda received the honour to host the 9th edition of the event next year.
The responsibility was officially bestowed to Uganda after UPDF deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt. Gen. Charles Angina received the regional flag from Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF) Commander in Chief Gen. David Mwamunyage in Zanzibar.
The hand-over was witnessed by state minister of defence General Jeje Odongo, among other regional army top brass.
The two-week event, meant to enhance cooperation among armed forces in the region, was officially closed by Tanzania’s Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda at the Amaan Stadium.
Uganda snatched gold in basketball and bagged two silver medals after finishing second in netball and handball.
Kenya took credit with eight trophies, including individual honours after winning in football, handball and women’s cross-country.
Hosts Tanzania retained, for the eighth year in succession, the netball crown and finished second in soccer after drawing one-all against Uganda.
Rwanda’s best performance was in the women’s cross-country race through Felician Muhitira who finished third. Burundi managed a bronze in basketball and won the best player’s award in handball through Juste Iladukunda (best goalkeeper).
By Samson Opus, The New Vision