The parliamentary athletics squad, mentored by the former world champion Dorcus Inzikuru, hit the running tracks on Monday, December 11, 2023, with the determination and mindset to uphold their championship at Bugesera Stadium.
It didn’t take long before Hon. Joan Alobo (FDC, Soroti City) and Hon. Helen Auma (NRM, Busia District) clinched the top spots in separate 100m heats. Hon. Robert Ssekitoleeko (NUP, Bamunanika County) and Hon. Bernard Odoi (NRM, Youth Representative Eastern) also emerged victorious in their respective 400m heats, while Hon. Christine Akello (NRM, Erute County North) settled for the second position in the women’s 1500m race after experiencing joint cramps in the final lap of the race she was leading.
In the men’s 1500m contest, the reigning champion, Hon. Julius Acon (NRM, Otuke East County), took no risks against his East African opponents and secured a triumph. Uganda concluded the day with additional victories in the 4x100m relays for both men and women.
Coach Inzikuru commended the Parliament leadership for steadfastly supporting the parliamentary sports team and committed to securing more medals in return.
“I want to applaud the team for their stellar performance and also thank the Speaker of Parliament for backing us in promoting sports in the country. We have more games on December 16, and we aim to claim more trophies,” Inzikuru stated.
The final round of athletics games is set to resume on Saturday, December 16, 2023.
In soccer, the football team led by Hon. Moses Magogo (NRM, Budiope East County) overwhelmingly defeated the hosts, Rwanda, with a scoreline of 12-0. Hon. Karim Masaba (Indep., Industrial Division) netted a hat trick, while Hon. Muhammed Nsereko (Indep., Kampala Central Division) secured a brace.
Various games are scheduled to continue on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, with Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa anticipated to lead the golfers in their inaugural campaign of the tournament at Kigali Golf Club.
In a pre-match interview, Tayebwa acknowledged awareness of their rivals’ abilities, especially the Kenyans, who boast four members with a single handicap. However, he expressed confidence in his team’s spirit, affirming their readiness for the showdown.
“I anticipate a challenging game, especially from the Kenyans, who have four members with a single handicap. But with our team spirit, I am confident we will emerge victorious because we have been training, working, and supporting each other,” Tayebwa remarked.
In other fixtures, Uganda will face off against Tanzania in both men and women’s basketball, and the men’s volleyball team will compete against Rwanda, while the women’s team will meet South Sudan.
Results from Sunday matches:
- Uganda 1-3 Kenya (Volleyball/Men)
- Uganda 53-21 South Sudan (Basketball/Women)
- Uganda 44-25 Rwanda (Basketball/Men)
- Uganda 48-08 South Sudan (Netball)
