Taekwondo, a traditional sport in Korean culture, is steadily becoming a part of Uganda’s armed forces. Last year, 13 trainees from the Military Police Brigade, Military Police Training School, Special Forces Command and Chieftaincy of Defence Intelligence and Security (formerly CMI), graduated as black belts and blue belts after nearly a year of taekwondo training at Makerere University.
Early this month, the number of graduates in the second intake rose to 18-all from the military police, a manifestation of the Uganda-Korea commitment to sharing cultures.
Taekwondo became an official Olympic sport in 2000 and has become a truly global sport practiced by nearly 80 million people across the world, about 400 of which are Ugandan.
Beyond spreading the taekwondo skills and values among the forces, the first and second cohorts have also competed and won some medals in national tournaments like the Korea Ambassador’s Cup, joining the likes of Police and Prisons, who have for years fielded fully-fledged taekwondo clubs.
Yet UPDF and the Korean embassy in Uganda believe taekwondo benefits transcend sport. ‘This a significant milestone not only for you as individuals but also for the entire UPDF. This partnership is a shining example of corporation and mutual respect,’ said Brig. Gen. Wycliffe Keita, who was the chief guest during the graduation at Onomo Hotel on December 3.
He commended Korea for generously sharing its resources and expertise to improve the capacity of Uganda’s armed forces, and called the training ‘a game changer’ for UPDF ‘as it has equipped our soldiers with world class skills like martial arts but also instilled in them discipline, respect and perseverance, which are UPDF’s core values.’
To the graduates, Keita said: ‘you are a vital part of the UPDF’s pursuit of excellence. You are going to join a growing cadre of skilled taekwondo practitioners who will drive change and inspire others to strive for greatness.’
‘Defence cooperation is strengthened not only through strategic dialogue but also through initiatives such as this training, which help cultivate discipline, readiness, and mutual understanding among our forces,’ Col. Kim Seha, the defense attaché of Korea to Uganda, thanking the UPDF leadership for their enduring partnership, and Master Kwangjoo Kim from Kukkiwon ‘for his exceptional commitment in leading this programme.’
Master Kim had few words to the graduates: ‘Displaying a strong sense of responsibility is the real essence of taekwondo. Now is the time to show it in your military service.’
BLACK BELTS
L/CPL. Peter Odokonbero
L/CPL. David Okwii
L/CPL. Edmond Gift
L/CPL. Benard Okello
L/CPL. Deogracious Omukata
L/CPL. Grace Kajubi
L/CPL. Cedrick Soyekwo
L/CPL. Shanon Kakwiri
L/cpl. Paul Okurut atoro
L/CPL. Aires Ayabaza
L/CPL. John Micheal Opolot
L/CPL. Brian Taira
L/CPL. Victor Twijukye
L/CPL. Alfred Wasswa Tabu
L/CPL. Yusufu Wandera
Pte. Godfrey Kutosi
Pte. Benard Busen Meta
BLUE BELT
L/CPL. Twairu Wagama