Uganda’s parliamentarians concluded a dominant performance at the 15th East African Community Inter-Parliamentary Games, securing championship titles in football, netball, and both men’s and women’s basketball.
The games, held under the theme “Advancing Integration through EAC Parliamentary Sports,” took place at various venues in Kampala from Dec. 6 to 16, 2025. A colorful closing ceremony at the Parliament grounds on Tuesday celebrated Uganda’s success, highlighted by a football victory over the parliaments of Burundi and the Kenyan Senate.
Individual honors were widespread for the host nation. In football, Katikamu County North MP Denes Sekabira won the golden boot award, while Kibanda North County MP Linos Ngompek received the golden glove. Kenya placed second, followed by Burundi.
Uganda’s women’s basketball team emerged champions, with Amuria District Woman Representative Susan Amero named the Most Valuable Player. Amero and Namisindwa Woman Representative Sarah Kayagi were also recognized for their 15-year contributions to the Uganda Parliamentary Sports Club.
In men’s basketball, Uganda topped the rankings, with Usuk County MP Bosco Okiror earning MVP honors. Kayagi also led the women’s netball team to victory, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with 78 points.
Other successes included the women’s volleyball team defeating Kenya and Rwanda, with Kalangala District MP Hellen Nakimuli named MVP. In golf, Gomba District MP Sylvia Nayebale was the best golfer as Uganda won the overall women’s title. Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa won an award in men’s golf.
Uganda took gold in women’s darts, won by PWD Representative Laura Kanushu, and excelled in athletics, securing gold and silver in several track events.
During the closing dinner Wednesday, Tayebwa presented a trophy to the Parliament of Uganda and commended all participants. He thanked the Bureau of Speakers for selecting Uganda as host.
“We look forward to hosting you more in Uganda. I hope we did our level best to accommodate you all,” Tayebwa said. He also rewarded Uganda’s mascot, Abdallah Byaruhanga, with a trip to a tournament in Morocco for his cheerleading efforts.
East African Legislative Assembly Speaker Joseph Ntakirutimana praised Uganda’s preparations, calling them a new benchmark. Kenyan Senate Speaker Amason Jeffah Kingi commended the hosting while stressing the legislative role in regional integration.
Burundi Senate Vice President Clotilde Kampimbare said the games enhanced regional cooperation.
Parliamentary Sports Club Chairperson Asuman Basalirwa urged the games’ planning committee to create a separate tournament for legislative staff, saying, “It is only fair that we find a way of recognising their contribution.”
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