Countdown to the 14th EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games in Mombasa

By Emmanuel Sekago

With only two weeks to go, excitement is building as Parliaments across the East African Community (EAC) gear up for the 14th EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games. The historic Coastal City of Mombasa, Kenya, will host the games from December 6th to 17th, 2024, with participants ready to set aside their debating skills and showcase their sporting prowess.

The games will feature a variety of disciplines, including: Football, Netball, Athletics, Tug-of-War, Volleyball, Basketball, Golf and Darts.
The Kenya Ports Authority’s Mbaraki Stadium will be the primary venue for football and athletics, with the official opening ceremony scheduled for December 7th, 2024. Other events will take place at the prestigious Aga Khan Academy, which will also provide training facilities for teams.

The Parliament of Uganda, a dominant force in previous tournaments, is leaving no stone unturned in its preparations. Rigorous training sessions are underway, Defending champions Uganda, the record holders in soccer, are training at the Lugogo MTN grounds, under the guidance of their technical team. They are determined to maintain their winning streak despite the anticipated stiff competition.

Under the leadership of head coach Fred Mugerwa Tabale, Uganda’s netball team is practicing at the Lugogo MTN Arena, aiming to capitalize on their fitness and strategy as they await the release of the draws and match fixtures, Track and field events will include the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, and relay races, drawing attention from both male and female participants, while  in Volleyball, Basketball, and Golf: Uganda’s teams are confident in their ability to dominate these events when the games commence.

The EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games, initiated in 2009, have grown into an annual event fostering camaraderie, interaction, and regional integration. Coordinated by the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and hosted by National Assemblies, the games also serve to engage the citizenry and popularize the regional integration agenda.

A Joint Committee comprising EALA Members and representatives from the National Assemblies oversees the planning and execution of the games. This committee ensures alignment with the rules and regulations governing the tournament, making adjustments as needed during pre-games meetings.

In line with Article 49(2)(a) of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community, the tournament plays a crucial role in strengthening relations between EALA and the National Assemblies. It also serves as a platform to demonstrate unity and cooperation among partner states.

Delegations are expected to begin arriving in Mombasa between December 2nd and 6th, 2024, in readiness for the tournament. The event promises not only fierce competition but also an opportunity for participants to connect and celebrate the shared vision of a unified East Africa.

All eyes are now on Mombasa as the region prepares for another thrilling chapter in the history of the EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games.