Speaker Among flags off Uganda’s delegation to EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games

Speaker Anita Among and her deputy, Thomas Tayebwa, on Wednesday officially flagged off Uganda’s delegation of Members of Parliament (MPs) heading to the East African Community (EAC) Inter-Parliamentary Games in Mombasa, Kenya.

The games, scheduled to run from December 6 to 18, 2024, aim to promote regional unity and cooperation through sports.

Speaking at the send-off, Speaker Among encouraged the team to embrace the games’ primary objective of fostering integration among EAC member states.

“Together with the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, we flagged off the team of Members of Parliament representing Uganda. I urged them to focus on strengthening, deepening, and advancing EAC integration,” Among shared on social media.

“Through sports, let us champion our shared vision of a united and prosperous East Africa,” she added.

Hon. Asuman Basalirwa, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Sports Club, expressed optimism about Uganda’s chances of defending their title. State Minister for Sports, Peter Ogwang, lauded Parliament’s unwavering commitment to sports development, noting that Uganda’s growing achievements in various sports reflect this dedication.

The games will bring together approximately 3,500 MPs and support staff from eight EAC member states. Competitions will take place across six major venues in Mombasa, including Mbaraki Stadium, Shanzu Teachers Training College, Aga Khan Academy, and KPA Makande Hall. Events such as football, athletics, tug-of-war, netball, basketball, darts, and golf are on the schedule, with facilities also accommodating participants with disabilities.

Organized annually by the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), the games have been a cornerstone of regional cooperation since their inception in 2009.

The 2024 edition continues this tradition, emphasizing camaraderie and mutual understanding among East African nations.