The Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Thomas Tayebwa has said that despite the ethnic diversity, the East African Community (EAC) is united by one common vision and goal- a united East Africa.
Tayebwa made these remarks while speaking at the official opening of the 13th edition of the East African Community Inter-Parliamentary games at Pele Stadium, Kigali in Rwanda on December 8, 2023.
He noted that, the vision of the fore fathers who foresaw the need and importance of a united Africa today under the leadership of various Presidents, the torch-bearers of this dream and the onus rests on everyone to play their part in order to thrive.
“I have grown to learn that, sports teaches you character, it teaches you to play by the rules, it teaches you to know what it feels like to win and lose, it teaches you about life,” Tayebwa said.
He called upon participants to embrace the spirit of togetherness, brotherhood and sisterhood, adding that, they should be disciplined, fair and honest as they compete.
Asuman Basalirwa, the Member of Parliament (MP) representing Bugiri Municipality, who also chairs the Parliamentary Committee of Sports, expressed confidence in the Ugandan team’s preparation and readiness to defend their trophy.
“The coaches have done their part, and we are ready for victory. As defending champions, we are ready to defend our trophies of last year,” Basalirwa said.
Uganda the defending champions clinched the victory of the 12th edition of the games, held in Juba, South Sudan in 2022.
The 13th edition of EAC Inter-Parliamentary games has attracted participants from six member states of South Sudan, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Kenya and law makers from the EAC Legislative Assembly with a theme of For a Progressive, Peaceful and All Inclusive EAC.
