Published on 04/11/2025
Uganda’s Parliament has pledged to maintain its dominance at the upcoming Inter-Parliamentary East African Games, dismissing concerns that the ongoing election campaign season will distract the home team.
The games, originally slated to be hosted by Burundi, will now take place in Uganda from 5th to 17th December 2025. The warning came from Asuman Basalirwa (Bugiri Municipality), Chairperson of Uganda’s parliamentary team, in response to Kenya’s Vincent Kawaga, who indicated that Kenya was determined to unseat Uganda during the tournament.
“We are the current overall defending champions, and we have held that position for uncountable years. Campaign schedules notwithstanding, we cannot afford to lose on home soil,” Basalirwa said during a press briefing on 3rd November 2025. “This is the best time for us to demonstrate that, even amidst challenges, we remain on top.”
Basalirwa urged Ugandan MPs participating in the games to continue training, stressing that rival teams may try to exploit their busy campaign schedules. “Out there, expectations are that our calendar may affect performance, but I don’t think they will be successful,” he said.
The briefing also highlighted preparations for the tournament, which will bring together over 1,000 participants in Kampala under the theme: “One Region, One Community: Advancing Integration Through Parliaments and Sports.”
The Joint Planning Committee has approved medical and sports facilities for the games. Among the medical facilities visited are Kampala Hospital, Nakasero Hospital, Aga Khan International Hospital, and International Hospital Kampala (IHK), with plans to include Mulago National Referral Hospital. Basalirwa noted the involvement of Dr. Robert Mbui, a Kenyan MP and trained surgeon, in overseeing medical preparations.
Sports venues include Phillip Omondi Stadium, Nakivubo, Kadiba, Wankulukuku, Kira Police Stadium, Makerere University, Kyambogo, Nsambya Sharing Hall, Buziga Secondary School, Kibuli Secondary School, Nsambya Youth, as well as Mandela National Stadium and Kampala Legends as backup venues. Golf competitions will be held at Kampala Golf Club and Serena Golf Club in Kigo.
Several accommodation facilities have been earmarked to host participants, with Basalirwa urging the public to extend Uganda’s renowned hospitality to visiting teams.
The tournament will feature football, volleyball, basketball, netball, tug-of-war, athletics, darts for people with special needs, and golf.
