Uganda Parliament team shines in Athletics and golf at EAC games

By Emmanuel Sekago

When it comes to athletics during parliamentary games, the only country to talk about is Uganda. The flag is flying high at the ongoing Inter-Parliamentary Games in Kigali, Rwanda.

The Uganda parliamentary athletics team took to the running tracks in Bugesera stadium with the main agenda of defending the title in track and field events.

It did not take them long before Hon. Joan Alobo the Soroti City representative  and Hon. Helen Auma of Busia District  finished  first in the individual 100m heats. Hon. Robert Ssekitoleko of Bamunanika County and Hon.

Bernard Odoi the Youth Representative Eastern also won in respective 400m heats, while Hon. Christine Akello of Erute County North settled for a second position in the women’s 1500m race having suffered joint cramps in the final lap of the race she was leading.

In the men’s 1500m contest, the defending champion, Hon. Julius Acon of Otuke East County took no chances against his East African opponents and cruised to victory. Uganda finished  the day with more victories in the 4x100m relays for both men and women.

The former world champion, Dorcus Inzikuru the coach of Uganda parliamentary athletics team while talking to media couldn’t hide her smile thanking the Uganda Parliament leadership for ably supporting the parliamentary sports team and pledged to win more medals in return.

“I want to congratulate the team for the good performance and also the Speaker of Parliament for supporting us to empower sports in the country. We shall have more games on 16 December and we are hoping to win more trophies,” said Inzikuru.

The final round of athletics games will resume on Saturday, December 16th 2023 in Bugesera stadium.
While In soccer, the Uganda parliamentary  team captained by Hon. Moses Magogo  of Budiope East County thumped  the hosts, Rwanda 12-0  goals with Hon. Karim Masaba of the Industrial Division bagging a hat trick,Hon. Muhammed Nsereko of Kampala Central Division with a brace, while Hon. Muzaale Martin, Hon. Denis Obua, Hon. Matovu Charles , Hon. Mugema Peter Panadol, Hon. Allan Ssewanyana, Hon. Wakooli Godfrey Matembu and Hon. Peter Ogwang scored one goal.

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa  led the golfers in their first campaign of the tournament at Kigali Golf Club on Tuesday, December 12th 2023, and the first round battle on the golf course went well with Uganda parliamentary  ladies’ team  leading the way against the Kenya parliamentary ladies team. For  the men’s team, Kenya Parliamentary team is leading  against the Uganda parliamentary team, with other countries like hosts Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, South Sudan closely following suit.

Meanwhile, The final battle is  on Thursday, December 14th 2023  at Kigali Golf club  is palpable and the Uganda team is more than confident that they  will emerge even stronger  and win the gold.
“I expected  a tough game especially from the Kenyans who have four members that have a single handicap, but with our team spirit, I am sure we shall win,”  said Tayebwa.