The Institution of Surveyors of Uganda (ISU) held its inaugural sports gala over the weekend at the Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium, attracting 16 professional associations under the theme “Stop Violence Against Surveyors.”The event, sponsored by Stanbic Bank Uganda Limited, aimed to foster camaraderie and raise awareness about the challenges faced by surveyors in the field.Rev. Canon Dr. Duncans Mugumya, the Commissioner for Sports and Physical Education, represented the State Minister of Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, and emphasized the importance of engaging in sports for health and well-being.“This initiative aligns with the Ministry’s holistic approach to learning, advocating for involvement in co-curricular activities beyond the traditional classroom and office environments,” he stated. Dr. Mugumya highlighted that physical activities can significantly enhance workplace performance.The tournament concluded with the Land Surveyors & Mappers department of the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development emerging victorious, defeating the Public Infrastructure department of the Ministry of Works 5-3 in a tense penalty shootout.Individual accolades were awarded to Toko Godfrey from the Department of Survey and Mapping for Best Goalkeeper, Kagaba Edrine from the Uganda Society of Architects for Top Scorer, and Arop Flammy from the Institute of Survey and Land Management-Entebbe as the Most Valuable Player (MVP).Participants included various chapters such as Quantity Surveying, Mining and Hydrological Surveying, Valuation Surveying, and representatives from institutions like Makerere University, Kyambogo University, and Mengo Senior School.Rev. Canon Dr. Duncans Mugumya making remarks Surveyors in Uganda have faced violent attacks while on duty, often resulting in injuries or fatalities. Notably, recent incidents have included the arson of a car owned by land surveyors in Luweero District, and in 2022, mining surveyors in Karamoja reported being attacked. Attacks have been linked to tensions with local communities, particularly in areas where residents have been evicted from land.Alozius Gonza, President of the Institute Surveyors Uganda (ISU), praised the spirited competition and showcased talent among participants. He also addressed the pressing issue of violence against surveyors, noting that recent attacks on professionals in the field threaten their safety and work.“This gala will become an annual event on our calendar,” Gonza announced, expressing gratitude to sponsors like Stanbic Bank Uganda, Hamz Group and the Uganda Institute of Professional Engineers (UIPE) for their support in making the event possible.He noted that the successful gala not only provided a platform for sportsmanship but also highlighted the importance of safety and recognition for surveyors in Uganda, paving the way for future initiatives aimed at promoting their welfare.The post Surveyors Association Hosts Inaugural Sports Gala to Promote Safety and Health appeared first on The Insider.