The East African Community (EAC) Inter-Parliamentary Games concluded successfully in Kigali, Rwanda on December 18, 2023. The closing ceremony, held at Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village, marked the end of the two-week-long annual sports tournament.
Uganda, last year’s defending champions, once again secured the overall victory in the 13th Edition of the EAC Games. The closing ceremony included the awarding of medals to recognize the best East African parliaments and outstanding individual performances.
In athletics, Uganda emerged as the top-performing nation with a total of 36 medals—23 gold, 8 silver, and 5 bronze. Tanzania and Kenya secured the second and third positions respectively.
Uganda’s Parliament football team, captained by Hon. Moses Magogo, claimed the soccer championship with an unbeaten campaign, scoring 32 goals and conceding only two. The golf team, led by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, dominated with 270 and 268 points for men and women respectively.
The men’s basketball team, captained by Hon. Mwine Mpaka, clinched the winner’s trophy, while the women’s team secured the second position. The women’s volleyball team secured the top spot, and the netball side took the second position after Tanzania.
Uganda also excelled in tug of war and darts, bringing home a total of seven trophies.
Hon. Francine Rutazana, Chairperson of the Joint Planning Committee of the EAC Games, commended Rwanda for providing a conducive environment for member states to participate. She highlighted the surprising decrease in indiscipline cases compared to the previous tournament.
Deputy Speaker Tayebwa encouraged East African countries to use sports as a means to promote peace and cohesion. He expressed hope for the 14th edition of the EAC Games in Nairobi, Kenya, to involve all East African countries.
Speaker Tulia Ackson of Tanzania urged East African parliamentarians to enhance youth participation and address pressing African issues. She emphasized the importance of involving youths in decision-making processes and advocating for addressing poverty, climate change, and environmental degradation.
The Inter-Parliamentary Games is an annual event fostering relations among members and staff of various East African parliaments. It aligns with Article 49 (2)(a) of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community, initiated by the East African Legislative Assembly in 2001 to enhance interaction and promote the integration process.
