The Tanzania Prisons Service has set its sights on winning trophies at the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces Sport Council (BAMMATA) Games, which begin in Mwanza on Monday.
The service says it has stepped up preparations across several sporting disciplines, including football, netball, basketball, athletics, handball, volleyball and shooting, ahead of the September 21-October 5 games.
The Head of Sports and Culture at the Prisons Service, Assistant Commissioner of Prisons (ACP) Solomon Mwambingu, said on Saturday that the service had used the CGP Cup held in Dar es Salaam in August as part of its preparations for the competition.
Speaking to journalists at St Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT) in Mwanza, ACP Mwambingu said the competition provided an opportunity for teams to improve their readiness and competitiveness.
“The Prisons Service is well prepared in various sports. We continue to identify and develop talent. The coach of the national netball team comes from the Prisons Service, while we also have players representing national teams,” he said.
“We are well prepared and ready to compete for trophies at BAMMATA 2026.”
The official said the service’s investment in sports had helped develop athletes who have gone on to represent Tanzania at national level.
The opening and closing ceremonies will be held at CCM Kirumba Stadium, which will also host netball, athletics and football events.
Football, netball and basketball will be played at Butimba Teachers College, while Milongo grounds will host handball, basketball and volleyball. Shooting competitions will be held at MTC grounds.
BAMMATA was established in 1977 to coordinate sporting activities among Tanzania’s defence and security institutions and special departments of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.
The 2026 games bring together eight zones representing the Ngome, Tanzania People’s Defence Force, Police, Prisons, Immigration, Fire and Rescue, Islands and Zanzibar Revolutionary Government.