As preparations for the East African Community (EAC) EALA Games gather momentum, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula has emphasised that the regional sports event is designed to unite East Africans rather than focus solely on victory.

Wetangula, who is the President of the Bureau of East African Community Speakers, met with the Uganda Parliamentary Sports Club, which is set to host the upcoming EALA Games.

“As the President of the Bureau of East African Community Speakers, I was briefed by the Uganda Parliamentary Sports Club on their preparations for the East African Community EALA games, which Uganda gracefully agreed to host,” he stated

The Uganda team made a benchmarking visit to Kenya to learn lessons from last year’s successful staging of the games.

“The team led by Basalirwa Asuman (Chairperson) were on a benchmarking visit to learn lessons on how to host the games after Kenya successfully staged the regional championship last year,” he stated

Wetangula urged the Ugandan delegation to view the event as an opportunity for deeper integration across East Africa.

“It is not about who wins or loses but more about bringing the EAC community, enhancing integration and pushing for the movement of people, goods and services,” he said.

The National Assembly Speaker further highlighted the broader role of sports in promoting unity.

“Sports bring people together, break barriers, be it race, tribe or community, and we must utilise them to build cohesion,” he added.

The EALA Games have grown to become a key platform for fostering camaraderie among lawmakers and staff from member states, allowing participants to engage beyond their parliamentary duties. The event includes competitions in football, volleyball, athletics, and other sporting activities.

2024 games in Kenya were hailed as a success, both in terms of organisation and participation, setting a high benchmark for the incoming hosts. By welcoming Uganda’s delegation to Kenya, Wetangula reinforced the spirit of collaboration that underpins the EAC, emphasising that each host country has a role in strengthening regional ties.

As Uganda finalises arrangements for the upcoming championship, Wetangula’s message serves as a reminder that the true victory lies in regional cohesion, mutual understanding, and the continued promotion of shared East African identity.