Uganda Parliament Ready to Defend Football Title at Inter-Parliamentary Games, Says Hon. Karim Masaba as Musician Kenzo Joins Training

*By John Kusolo*

Hon. Karim Masaba, Member of Parliament for the Industrial Division in Mbale City, has expressed confidence that Uganda’s Parliament football team will successfully defend the title they won during the 2023 Inter-Parliamentary Games in Kigali, Rwanda. Hon. Masaba made these remarks at The Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, where the Parliament team is undergoing intense training ahead of the upcoming tournament later this year.

The Inter-Parliamentary Games, an annual event, bring together members of various parliaments from across East Africa to compete in a wide array of sports including football, netball, volleyball, and athletics. Uganda emerged victorious in the football category last year, and Hon. Masaba believes that with the current level of dedication and preparation, the team is poised to replicate this success.

“We are working hard to ensure that we bring the trophy back home again this year. Our training sessions are focused and rigorous, and I am confident that we are ready to face any challenges. The competition will be tough, but we are determined to defend our title," said Hon. Masaba, who is an active member of the team.

The training sessions at Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, are being overseen by a dedicated team of professional coaches and fitness experts. Members of Parliament have been engaging in tactical drills, conditioning exercises, and friendly matches to sharpen their skills. The fitness regimen has been tailored to not only improve the footballers’ performance on the field but also enhance their overall physical well-being.

According to Hon. Masaba, this year’s preparations have gone beyond the usual, with a focus on teamwork, strategy, and mental fortitude. "We are not just training to play; we are preparing to win," he emphasized.

The Parliament football team comprises MPs from various constituencies across the country. Their participation in the games serves not only as a platform for promoting physical fitness but also as a means of strengthening unity and camaraderie among lawmakers within the region.

Beyond the competitive spirit of the games, Hon. Masaba used the opportunity to advocate for physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle among all Ugandans. He stressed the importance of regular exercise in preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which have become a growing concern in Uganda and globally.

“I appeal to all Ugandans to take time off their busy schedules and engage in regular training and exercise. Keeping fit is essential in avoiding diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and other lifestyle-related illnesses. We need to adopt a culture of exercise in our daily routines,” Hon. Masaba urged.

He highlighted that the increasing prevalence of NCDs such as heart disease, stroke, and obesity is largely linked to sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, and lack of physical activity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), non-communicable diseases are responsible for nearly 41 million deaths globally each year, accounting for 71% of all deaths.

Hon. Masaba's call aligns with Uganda’s health promotion campaigns that encourage physical activity, balanced diets, and regular medical check-ups as key measures to combat the rise of NCDs. Various government and non-governmental organizations, including the Ministry of Health, have also launched initiatives to raise awareness about the importance of exercise in preventing these diseases.

The Inter-Parliamentary Games provide a unique platform where sports transcend politics, fostering regional unity and integration. The games, which include participants from all East African Community (EAC) member states, aim to promote not only physical fitness but also harmony and cooperation among lawmakers.

Through these games, members of parliament from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan have the chance to interact on the sports field, creating bonds that help to strengthen relations between the nations. Hon. Masaba reiterated that Uganda's participation in these games goes beyond winning trophies, as it also contributes to promoting regional peace and collaboration.

“Our participation in the Inter-Parliamentary Games is more than just about football. It’s about building relationships, fostering cooperation, and promoting peace across East Africa. We are proud to represent Uganda on such a stage, and we look forward to continuing to strengthen these ties,” he added.

As the countdown to the Inter-Parliamentary Games continues, Uganda’s Parliament football team is committed to maintaining its winning momentum. The country has a strong track record in the games, and with players like Hon. Masaba leading the charge, there is high hope that Uganda will not only defend its title but also inspire more Ugandans to embrace the benefits of sports and physical activity.

The upcoming tournament promises to be a thrilling showcase of sportsmanship, fitness, and regional unity, with Uganda aiming to make a strong statement on the field once again.

Hon. Karim Masaba's remarks at the Omondi Stadium reflect both confidence in the team’s abilities and a deep commitment to promoting physical fitness among Ugandans. As the Parliament team prepares to defend their football title, his appeal for regular exercise as a preventive measure against non-communicable diseases resonates with the broader national health agenda. All eyes will be on the Ugandan team as they seek to retain their crown in the 2024 Inter-Parliamentary Games later this year.