Kampala — Olympic marathon champion Stephen Kiprotich will be the star during the 10th edition of the Inter-Forces Games next month.

Kiprotich, who rose to stardom after snatching a gold medal during the London 2012 Olympic Games, is among the athletes expected to lead Uganda Prisons to their title defence.

Other national stars expected in the meet that will be open to the public include Michael Cherop (Police), Simon Ayeko and Rebecca Cheptegei (UPDF).

The championship that involves army side UPDF, Police and Prisons gets underway with a live fire shooting competition at Kigo on November 9-10.

Launching the event at UPDF headquarters Mbuya yesterday, deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt. Gen. Ivan Koreta underlined cooperation as a key aspect in the event.

"The most important thing overall is friendship through sport. Sports competitions lessen tension through the bridges we build," remarked Koreta who represented defence minister Chrispus Kiyonga.

The competition for the ball games, besides athletics and darts will run on November 12-17.

During the launch of the games to be hosted by UPDF, Uganda Prisons Commissioner Samuel Akena confirmed that Kiprotich will grace the games.

"What I can say is that Kiprotich is a national athlete. So in whatever capacity, he will be there to inspire the others," stated Akena.