Sports can drive EAC integration, says Deputy Speaker Tayebwa
Tayebwa made the remarks as he prepared to lead Team Uganda in a golf tournament at Nyali Golf and Country Club on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has emphasized the role of sports as a catalyst for the East African Community (EAC) integration process, bringing together parliamentarians from the bloc’s eight member states.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 14th EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games in Mombasa, Kenya, Tayebwa highlighted how sports foster closer ties among lawmakers tasked with passing crucial integration-focused legislation.
“Sports is vital because many members in the region do not know each other, yet they are responsible for passing laws essential to integration. Through sports, we are bridging these gaps at the representative level,” he said.
Tayebwa made the remarks as he prepared to lead Team Uganda in a golf tournament at Nyali Golf and Country Club on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.
Tayebwa expressed his gratitude for Kenyan President William Ruto’s attendance at the event’s opening ceremony, calling it a strong signal of commitment from regional leaders. “I hope the executives take it further. This support means a lot for integration, and as representatives, we are ready to listen to challenges and advance parliamentary democracy,” he added.
The Deputy Speaker also underscored the health benefits of sports. “These games have saved many members from seeking treatment for non-communicable diseases. The three months of preparation have been an excellent form of exercise,” he noted.
He praised the performance of Team Uganda, expressing optimism about retaining the overall championship title, previously won in Kigali, Rwanda. “I expect Uganda to dominate, especially in golf and other key competitions,” he said.
Team Uganda’s Performance
Uganda has delivered impressive results in the ongoing games:
- Football: Uganda defeated Kenya 3-1, while Tanzania drew 1-1 with Burundi.
- Basketball: The men’s team beat Burundi 50-36, and the women’s team triumphed over Kenya with a staggering 66-13 victory.
- Netball: The women’s team defeated Kenya 3-1, although the men’s team lost by the same scoreline.
- Track and Field: Uganda excelled in the 100M races for both men and women, won the men’s 1500M, and secured second place in the women’s 1500M.
The games, which started on December 6, 2024, will run until December 18, fostering camaraderie and collaboration among EAC legislators.
