By BM
Uganda is set to host the 15th Edition of the East African Community (EAC) Inter-Parliamentary Games from December 5 to 17, 2025, bringing together Members of Parliament and staff from the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and national parliaments of the partner states.
The event aims to promote unity, strengthen regional relations, popularize the EAC integration process, and encourage healthy lifestyles through physical activity.
The Inter-Parliamentary Games were first conceived by EALA in 2001 as a platform to foster interaction and cooperation among legislators across the region.
In 2009, the EAC Bureau of Speakers institutionalized the Games as an annual event, recognizing its importance in promoting regional cohesion through sports.
Last year, the 14th edition was hosted in Mombasa, Kenya, where the Republic of Burundi was nominated to host the 15th edition in Bujumbura.
However, in May 2025, Burundi announced its inability to host due to national elections, prompting an emergency meeting of the EALA Games Secretariat in Arusha, Tanzania.
It was agreed that if any partner state could not host, the responsibility would revert to one of the three founding member states Uganda, Kenya, or Tanzania subject to approval by the Bureau of Speakers.
In September 2025, the Bureau convened in Kampala and unanimously resolved that Uganda would host the Games.
The meeting was attended by the Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Rt Hon. Anita Among; the Speaker of EALA, Rt Hon. Joseph Ntakirutimana; and the Speaker of the National Assembly of Kenya, Rt Hon. Moses Wetang’ula.
This year’s tournament will feature a wide range of disciplines including football, netball, volleyball, basketball, athletics, golf, tug of war, and darts for members with disabilities.
Participants will come from the parliaments of Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, alongside EALA.
According to Asuman Basalirwa, Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee, the Games will be open to the public, presenting an opportunity to promote Uganda’s tourism sector while encouraging healthy lifestyles. “These exercises are not only for competition but also form part of the fight against non-communicable diseases,” Basalirwa noted.
MP Linos Ngompek from Kibanda North encouraged fellow legislators to train for the Games despite their busy political schedules, while Santa Alum, Oyam District Woman MP, highlighted that the event will boost trade, tourism, and regional integration.
The organizing committee has finalized the selection of suitable stadiums and facilities to host the various sporting events.
The Parliament of Uganda has called on all Ugandans to turn out in large numbers to support their teams and celebrate the spirit of East African unity. “We call upon all Ugandans to come and support their teams as we continue with the integration process of the East African Community,” the statement read.
The EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games continue to serve as a symbol of regional solidarity and a platform for fostering dialogue, friendship, and cooperation among legislators while highlighting the social, economic, and health benefits of sports in the region. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
