Kenya on Monday, December 12, 2024, narrowly fell 52-53 to rivals Uganda in a thrilling men’s basketball showdown at KPA Makupa Gymnasium in Mombasa, in the ongoing East African Community Interparliamentary Games that have entered day 10.

The visiting Ugandan squad opened with a quick 10-point run. Senator David Wakoli, however, emerged as the game’s top scorer with an impressive 16 points.

The lead exchanged hands throughout the tightly contested matchup, with neither team able to build a substantial advantage.

Uganda held slim leads at the end of each quarter – 14-13, 29-27, and 43-42 – setting the stage for a dramatic final period.

Mwine Mpaka led Uganda’s balanced scoring attack with 12 points, including several crucial baskets down the stretch.

Kenya controlled much of the fourth quarter tempo with their fast-break opportunities and aggressive man-to-man defense, but Uganda’s composure in the closing minutes proved decisive. The visitors executed their half-court offense effectively in the final possessions to secure the one-point victory.

Speaking after the games, Team Eli Letipila noted that though the match was competitive, the overall goal of the tournament is to enhance collaboration among the EAC Partner Countries for the welfare of their people.

“It was a tough game and sadly we have lost narrowly. We must however look beyond this competition and seek ways to collaborate as EAC member states for the sake of our development. Our challenges are similar , so we should seek a common solution to overcome them,” he stated.

National assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has lauded the match, noting that Kenya had put up a valiant fight.

Taking to his official X account after the match, Wetang’ula stated that the by both Members and staff at the pitch was a sure indication of the harmonious co-existence of East Africa nation where a win was celebrated by both sides.

“Kenya put up a valiant fight but narrowly fell 52-53 to rivals Uganda in a thrilling men’s basketball showdown at KPA’s Makupa Club. The see-saw match that kept both Kenya and Ugandan fans on the edge of their seats saw both teams put up a relentless spirit but Uganda had a narrow edge throughout the match as they led in each quarter by 14-13, 26-27, 43-42 before carrying the day with a 53-52 aggregate.

“The enthusiasm by both Members and staff at the pitch is a sure indication of the harmonious co-existence of East Africa nation where a win was celebrated by both sides. What a good fight it was for Team Kenya!” Wetang’ula stated.

Kenya put up a valiant fight but narrowly fell 52-53 to rivals Uganda in a thrilling men's basketball showdown at KPA's Makupa Club.

The see-saw match that kept both Kenya and Ugandan fans on the edge of their seats saw both teams put up a relentless spirit but Uganda had a… pic.twitter.com/6f8zL8NtEa

— Rt.Hon.Dr.Moses Wetang'ula (@HonWetangula) December 16, 2024