Sport is a vital tool for EAC integration, says Deputy Speaker

10 December 2024, 3:43 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, has emphasised that sports play a crucial role in bringing together members of parliament from the eight partner states of the East African Community (EAC), fostering unity as they work towards deepening, widening, and strengthening the integration process.

“Sports are very important because many members in the region do not know each other, yet they are expected to pass laws critical to the integration process. We are now much closer at the level of people’s representatives,” he stated. The Deputy Speaker made these remarks as he prepared to lead Team Uganda in the golf tournament at the 14th EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games on Tuesday, 10 December 2024, at the Nyali Golf and Country Club in Mombasa, Kenya.

Mr Tayebwa also expressed his appreciation for the President of Kenya, William Ruto, who officiated the opening of the EAC Games in Mombasa City. He described this gesture as a testament to the commitment of regional leaders. “I hope the executives can build on this momentum. It means a great deal for the integration process, and we are ready to support, promote, and address the challenges faced by each country, especially from the perspective of representatives, as we continue to strengthen parliamentary democracy,” he added.

The Deputy Speaker also highlighted the health benefits of sports, stating, “What we are doing is saving many members from seeking treatment for non-communicable diseases; they have had over three months of exercise in preparation for the games.” He expressed his satisfaction with the overall performance of Team Uganda.

“We expect Uganda to retain the overall championship, which we won in Kigali, Rwanda. I am confident the team will secure all the key prizes in the golf competition,” he said.

In the games played so far, Uganda defeated Kenya 3-1 in football, while Tanzania drew 1-1 with Burundi.

In basketball, Uganda’s men’s team triumphed over Burundi 50-36, and the women’s team dominated Kenya with a resounding 66-13 victory. In netball, Uganda’s ladies’ team beat Kenya three sets to one, although their male counterparts lost to Kenya by the same score.

In the track and field events, Uganda excelled in the 100m races for both men and women, secured victory in the men’s 1500m race, and finished second in the women’s 1500m.

The games, which began on 6 December, will continue until 18 December 2024.