Uganda MPs in Kigali for EAC games

Kigali, Rwanda | THE INDEPENDENT | Ugandan legislators have vowed to defend their title at the East African Community – EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games, scheduled to take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from December 8th to 19th, 2023.

Flagged off Thursday at Parliament by Speaker Anita Among, a contingent of approximately 100 participants will compete across various disciplines including Handball, Football, Tennis, Basketball, Athletics, Boxing, Taekwondo, Kickboxing, Judo, Karate, Walking Race, Volleyball, Darts, Golf, and Netball.

The 13th Edition of the EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games will bring together representatives fromSouth Sudan, Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Kenya, alongside lawmakers from the East African Legislative Assembly – EALA.

The event’s theme is “For a progressive, peaceful, and all-inclusive EAC.”

Uganda clinched the overall victory at the 12th Edition of the Games held in Juba, South Sudan in 2022. Asuman Basalirwa, President of the Justice Forum – JEEMA party and Bugiri Municipality Representative, who also chairs the Parliamentary Sports Club, expressed confidence in the team’s preparation to secure victories for the country.

“The coaches have done their part, and we are ready for victory. We are the defending champion and we must defend the trophies that we took last year,” Basalirwa reckoned. Coordinated by the EALA annually, the Inter-Parliamentary Games play a pivotal role in facilitating EALA’s engagement with members of national parliaments, staff, and citizens across the EAC to foster regional integration.

Speaker Among reminded the legislators of the EAC’s core principle, that is to broaden, deepen, and strengthen East African integration. She urged the team to uphold Uganda’s reputation and standing during the event.

“Remember to protect the integrity and the name of this country. Uganda’s image is very important,” Among emphasized.

The Inter-Parliamentary Games originated in 2001 during the inauguration of the regional assembly, EALA, in Arusha, Tanzania. Initially, it comprised solely a football match, but over the years, it expanded to include bilateral games between EALA and the National Assemblies. In 2009, during the Fourth Forum of Speakers, the inclusion of various other games was agreed upon, establishing the IPG as an annual rotational tournament.

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