President Museveni has called for greater investment in sports infrastructure, emphasizing its importance in promoting unity and integration across East Africa.
The President
made these remarks while officially commissioning the Bukedea Comprehensive
Stadium and launching the Federation of East African Secondary Schools Sports
Association (FEASSA) Games. The event brought together teams from Kenya,
Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda, showcasing the region’s commitment to fostering
cooperation through sports.
Museveni
underscored the vital role that sports play in advancing regional integration,
likening it to the "grease" that smooths the path toward economic
collaboration and political cohesion.
"Sports act
as the lubricant that facilitates our progress toward economic integration and,
ultimately, political federation," Museveni remarked. He further
highlighted that sports contribute not only to economic prosperity and strategic
security but also to the brotherhood essential for the region’s collective
social well-being.
The President
urged the youth to concentrate on issues pertinent to East Africa rather than
being distracted by events in faraway European countries. He also expressed
gratitude to Speaker Anita Among for her key role in the development of Bukedea
Stadium, commending the project's timely and cost-effective completion.
"I
appreciate the Right Honourable Anita Among and her team for developing this
stadium efficiently and within a reasonable budget," Museveni stated,
urging other leaders to prioritize similar infrastructure projects that support
regional growth and unity.
FEASSA President
Mugisha Justus echoed Museveni’s views, praising Among and Esyagi Patrick, the
proprietors of Bukedea Comprehensive School and Amus College, for their
commitment to establishing top-tier facilities within a remarkably short
period.
"We
typically select schools to host these games based on their facilities,"
Mugisha explained. "When Bukedea Comprehensive School and Amus College
submitted their bid, it was forward-thinking. They pledged to build the
necessary infrastructure within nine months, which was initially doubted by the
first and second committees. However, the executive committee endorsed it, and
FEASSA and the member states are not disappointed," he added.
Mugisha stressed
the importance of replicating similar infrastructure across Uganda's 19 zones
and throughout East Africa. "We aim to emulate this kind of infrastructure
in other schools across Uganda's 19 zones," he said.
The FEASSA Games,
according to Mugisha, are designed to integrate the youth of East Africa
through sports, aligning with Museveni's longstanding vision of East African
unity.
Mugisha expressed
confidence in Museveni's leadership and dedication to sports development,
pointing to his appointment of sports-focused leaders, his recognition of
outstanding athletes, and his prioritization of sports infrastructure.
The tournament
has attracted over 4,000 participants from across East Africa, highlighting the
crucial role sports play in strengthening ties among the member states of the
East African Federation.
Kenya's
delegation was led by the Director General of Education, Murisa Erias Abid,
while Tanzania was represented by their Director of Education. Speaker Among,
who also serves as the Director of Bukedea Comprehensive School, confirmed the
participation numbers, reflecting the significant regional interest in the
event.