By John Kusolo
Bukedea District, Uganda – On Sunday, August 18, 2024, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was the Chief Guest at the official opening of the 21st edition of the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) Games. The event took place at Bukedea Comprehensive School in Eastern Uganda, a venue that has gained prominence for its newly commissioned sports infrastructure.
Bukedea Comprehensive School, owned by Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, the Speaker of Parliament, has been transformed into a state-of-the-art sports facility. President Museveni, before officially opening the games, commissioned the school's sports park, which includes a football stadium, an indoor sports arena, and an Olympic-size swimming pool. This investment in sports infrastructure has positioned Bukedea Comprehensive School as a key player in the region’s sports development.
In his remarks, President Museveni lauded Rt. Hon. Anita Among for her visionary efforts in developing such a facility in the region. He emphasized the importance of creating similar infrastructures across Uganda, stating that they are essential for the growth of sports and youth engagement in the country.
“I want to thank Rt. Hon. Anita Among and her colleagues here who developed this stadium at a reasonable cost and quickly. I think this should serve as an example to others so that we can develop these stadiums in other parts of the country,” President Museveni said.
The President further highlighted the significance of the East African integration, noting that it extends beyond sports. He discussed how integration is crucial for the strategic security and prosperity of East Africans. He also pointed out that a larger market within the East African Community (EAC) is vital for the economic well-being of its people.
“You cannot live a good life without producing a good or a service. This has been our long experience here in Uganda which we shared with colleagues in the East African community like Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and others,” President Museveni remarked. He elaborated on the challenges of limited internal markets and stressed the need for a unified East African market to accommodate surplus production.
Drawing comparisons, President Museveni pointed out the fragmented market of Latin America and how it contrasts with the more unified and prosperous market of the United States. He suggested that East Africa could learn from these examples to better integrate and prosper.
Rt. Hon. Anita Among, in her speech, welcomed participants from across East Africa to Uganda and particularly to Bukedea. She expressed her gratitude to President Museveni for commissioning the sports arena and for his unwavering commitment to the development of sports in Uganda.
The 21st FEASSA Games have attracted a total of 3,526 participants from five East African countries: Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Burundi. Unfortunately, South Sudan did not participate in this year's edition. The games, which will be held at Bukedea Comprehensive School, AMUS College School, and Teso College, feature a wide range of sports, including football, swimming, table tennis, soccer, badminton, basketball, handball, netball, rugby 15s, and hockey.
The Minister of State for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, highlighted the role of sports in promoting East African integration. He praised President Museveni for championing the EAC Federation and noted that the involvement of young athletes is crucial for the integration process.
“Your excellency, allow me to thank you for championing the EAC Federation. The integration process cannot be complete without the involvement of these young people,” Hon. Ogwang said.
He also cautioned participants to uphold the integrity of the games, reminding them that winning and losing are part of sports. Hon. Ogwang also mentioned Uganda's preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations under the East Africa Pamoja initiative, noting that the country is on track in developing the necessary sports infrastructure.
Justus Mugisha, President of FEASSA, expressed his gratitude to President Museveni for being the first sitting head of state to attend a FEASSA event. He praised the government’s efforts in promoting sports and emphasized the importance of sports in fostering East African unity. Mugisha also commended the organizers from Bukedea Comprehensive School and AMUS College School for establishing world-class facilities in record time.
The event was attended by several high-profile dignitaries, including the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, NRM First National Vice Chairman Hajj Moses Kigongo, NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Region Capt. Mike Mukula, Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) President Hon. Moses Magogo, Ministers, and Education Directors from the region, as well as Members of Parliament.
As the games progress, Uganda, the defending champion, will aim to retain its title in the competition that is set to run until August 27, 2024. The FEASSA Games continue to serve as a platform for nurturing young talent and promoting the spirit of East African unity through sports.
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