First and foremost, I would like to begin by welcoming and expressing my appreciation to everyone who has turned up for this function. We are gathered here today, to thank and celebrate the achievements of the Police athletes, for the historic win, success, pride and jubilation they brought to the Uganda Police Force, our Country Uganda, and the entire African continent during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic games.
As UPF management, we decided to hold this function, first of all, to convey our gratitude to all the athletes that participated in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic games, for their resilience and determination displayed when representing our country.
To those that did not excel, the Force still recognizes the outstanding achievement of participating in such a highly competitive event. You already scripted history by your participation and the pain you felt of not winning medals will be the motivation to win in the next event. I, therefore, implore you not to run away from the setbacks, but, run over them.
To those who were able to win the medals, you warmed our hearts with smiles. Thank you for the incredible performance. You did not only give us moments to cheer and celebrate during the games, but also raised our flag high and united our population at a time we needed it most.
I wish to announce that at its last sitting, the Police Authority approved the promotion of IP Cheptegei Joshua and IP Njia Benjamin to Assistant Superintendent of Police. I forwarded their letter of Promotion to them.
Similarly, in exercising the delegated powers from H.E. The President, I hereby promote the following subordinate officers, who participated in the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, to various ranks of Corporal to Inspector of Police;
- No. 100 SPC Chemutai Peruth (Gold Medalist) is regraded to Police Constable and promoted from Police Constable to Inspector of Police.
- No C/213 AIP Chelangat Mercyline is promoted from Assistant Inspector of Police to Inspector of Police
- No. 48689 CPL Chemutai Immaculate is promoted from Corporal to Assistant Inspector of Police.
- No. 68197 PC Shida Renny is promoted from Police Constable to Assistant Inspector of Police.
Please, note that this function and the games you participated in were not only about medals. Such events are more to do with the love for the game and developing our society. We therefore, implore you to use your talent and new ranks to inspire our youth by making them active and lure them from criminality.
Secondly, we expect you to assist, advise and help our other local athletes to participate in future events, earn a living and also win medals. Games require team work because it takes all team members to give life to any sport. For any competitive game, it is usually not about who runs fastest, but it is the feeling of teamwork that you will always excel. I further encourage you to use the teamwork to strengthen the relationships in your lives.
To the coach, we are rejoicing because of the expertise you imparted into these sportsmen and women. Thank you for uniting, rising and lifting the spirits of the athletes and Ugandans.
As I conclude, let me also take this opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of the parents, spouses and relatives of the athletes and all the other officials from the Uganda Athletes Federation, Uganda Olympics Committee and Ministry of Education & Sports who managed and took care of some of the needs of the athletes.
As UPF, we have already provided a double cabin Pick up and a minibus to these athletes to facilitate their movements during the training. The institution is also committed to providing more support in due course.
Finally, I appeal to you to continue observing and enforcing the COVID-19 guidelines to curb the pandemic as we protect and Serve.
With the above remarks, let me wish every one good health, long life, happiness during this festive season and success in the coming year.
FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY
J.M. Okoth-Ochola, (Esq.)
INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE
