Deputy Speaker Highlights Role of Sports in Strengthening EAC Ties

The Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, has emphasized that sport can serve as a vital driver in the East African Community (EAC) integration process by bringing Members of Parliament from the eight partner states closer together as they work towards deepening, widening, and strengthening regional integration.

“Sports are very important because most members in the region do not know each other, yet they are expected to pass laws critical for the integration process. We are now much closer at the level of people’s representatives,” he said.

The Deputy Speaker made these remarks as he prepared to lead the Ugandan team 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.

Tayebwa expressed his satisfaction with Kenyan President William Ruto’s officiation at the opening of the EAC Games in Mombasa, describing it as a strong sign of commitment from regional leaders.

“I hope the executives can take it up from there. It means a lot for the integration process, and we are ready to support, promote, and address challenges faced by each country, especially from the perspective of parliamentary representatives, to strengthen parliamentary democracy,” he said.

Tayebwa also highlighted the health benefits of sport. “What we are doing is helping many members avoid treatment for non-communicable diseases. They have had over three months of exercise in preparation for the games,” he noted.

The Deputy Speaker commended the overall performance of Team Uganda, expressing optimism about their continued success.

“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 stated.

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 beat Burundi 50-36, and the women’s team triumphed over Kenya with a commanding 66-13 victory.

In netball, the Ugandan ladies’ team defeated Kenya by three sets to one, while their male counterparts lost to Kenya by the same margin.

In track and field events, Uganda excelled in the 100-meter races for both men and women, clinched first place in the men’s 1500 meters, and secured second place in the women’s 1500 meters.

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