Uganda Triumphs at the 15th EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games
The 15th East African Community (EAC) Inter-Parliamentary Games reached a thunderous conclusion in Kampala on December 16, 2025, with the host nation, Uganda, emerging as the dominant force in the regional sporting arena. Under the theme “Advancing Integration through EAC Parliamentary Sports,” the Parliament of Uganda showcased its athletic prowess by clinching the overall titles in the most highly anticipated disciplines: football, netball, and basketball.
The ten-day tournament, which brought together legislators from Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Tanzania, and the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), transformed Kampala’s premier sporting venues—including the MTN Omondi Stadium and Lugogo Indoor Arena—into theaters of intense competition and regional diplomacy.
A Historic Three-Peat
The crowning jewel of Uganda’s success was the Parliamentary Football Club’s third consecutive championship title. The road to the gold medal was marked by clinical performances and tactical discipline.
In the final decisive matches, Uganda overcame stiff competition from both the Kenya Senate and the Parliament of Burundi. A standout performance during the campaign came from Hon. Denis Sekabira (Katikamu North), who secured the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer, notably bagging a sensational hat-trick in the opener against Burundi.
Defensively, Uganda was equally resolute. Hon. Linos Ngompek (Kibanda North) was awarded the Golden Glove for best goalkeeper, having conceded only two goals throughout the tournament. The football victory was not just a win on the pitch but a statement of consistency, cementing Uganda’s reputation as the powerhouse of parliamentary football in East Africa.
The Shooting Prowess of Namisindwa
In the netball courts, the Ugandan women’s team delivered a master class in coordination and precision. The team humiliated rivals with a perfect win record, including a massive 72–12 victory over Kenya.
The star of the netball campaign was undoubtedly Hon. Sarah Netalisire Kayagi(Namisindwa District). Kayagi, who also leads the Uganda Parliamentary Sports Club, was named the tournament’s top scorer after netting a staggering 78 goals. Her leadership and shooting accuracy ensured that Uganda retained the netball trophy with ease, finishing well ahead of silver-medalists Kenya and bronze-medalists Burundi.
Double Gold for the Hosts
Basketball saw Uganda assert total control in both the men’s and women’s categories.
- Women’s Basketball: Led by Captain Hon. Suzan Amero (Amuria District), the Ugandan women’s team outpaced Kenya in a one-sided final. Amero was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for her consistent scoring and defensive rebounds.
- Men’s Basketball: The men’s team mirrored this success, securing gold after a hard-fought battle with the Kenyan National Assembly. Hon. Bosco Okiror (Usuk County) emerged as the MVP, praised for his leadership on the court and clutch shooting in the final quarters.
A Broad Medal Haul
While football, netball, and basketball took center stage, Uganda’s dominance extended into several other disciplines, helping them top the overall medal standings with 15 gold medals.
| Discipline | Category | Result | Key Performer |
| Volleyball | Women | Gold | Hon. Hellen Nakimuli (MVP) |
| Golf | Women | Gold | Hon. Sylvia Nayebale (Best Female Golfer) |
| Darts | Women | Gold | Hon. Laura Kanushu |
| Athletics | Women | Gold | Hon. Agnes Taaka & Hon. Christine Akello |
Despite Uganda’s overwhelming success, other nations found moments of glory. Kenya dominated the Men’s Volleyball and Tug-of-War categories, while Rwanda and EALA put up spirited performances in golf and athletics.
Sports as a Tool for Integration
The closing ceremony, held at the Parliament Building and presided over by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, focused on the spirit of the East African Community. Tayebwa commended the visiting delegations for their sportsmanship and emphasized that the ultimate goal of the games is to break down the “invisible borders” between partner states.
“Our region only grows when we lift each other up,” Tayebwa remarked. “These games are not just about who scores the most goals; they are a celebration of a community of brothers and sisters.”
The Speaker of the Kenya Senate, Rt. Hon. Amason Jeffah Kingi, echoed these sentiments, noting that the games provide a rare opportunity for lawmakers to bond outside the formal chambers of Parliament, which in turn fosters better legislative cooperation on regional trade and security issues.
Looking Ahead: Somalia 2026
As the curtains fell on the 15th edition in Kampala, the torch was symbolically passed to Somalia, which has been confirmed as the host of the 16th East African Inter-Parliamentary Games. For Uganda, the 2025 games will be remembered as a year of record-breaking attendance, flawless organization, and an unprecedented sweep of the major trophies.
