By James Bakama in Mbale
HUNDREDS of people thronged Maluku ground in Mbale town yesterday to welcome Africa Games medalists Arnold Mabuka and Lydia Nadunga.

Activities to celebrate the medalists’ return included a march through Mbale streets, a feast, dance and speeches by various district authorities at Mbale Tigers Tennis Club. The medalists are members of the club.

Many people in the eastern town could not come to terms with the magnitude of the achievement.

“I can’t believe that these young kids are among the best on the continent!” exclaimed one Silvester Mafabi on seeing the teenaged students with their medals.

But the smiling Nadunga and Mabuka, standing in an open roof van, promised even better results in future.

Nadunga won a bronze in the singles and repeated the same feat in the mixed doubles with Mabuka in the week-long competition that attracted 41 countries in the Moroccan capital of Rabat.

Mbale Tigers director Emmanuel Matsyetsye said the achievement was no surprise.