EADB Backs FEASSA Games, calling it an investment in future leaders

The Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) Games have partnered with the East African Development Bank (EADB) as the main sponsor of the regional championship.

Speaking on Sunday at the opening ceremony of the 2026 regional Games in Morogoro, Tanzania, Justus Mugisha said it is the first time the Association has involved a banking institution as a major partner of the tournament, with the provision of financial support for the event.

According to Mugisha, the EADB's financial support will help enhance the competition experience, providing a platform for thousands of young athletes to showcase their abilities while building friendships and developing values that extend beyond the playing field.

He applauded EADB for a boost of USD 90,000 toward this year's regional school sports championship, currently underway in Morogoro, Tanzania.

EADB Country Manager Stephen Wambura said the Bank’s partnership with FEASSA reflects its commitment to investing in young people and promoting sustainable development across East Africa.

“While our core mandate is financing development projects across key sectors of the economy, we recognize that sustainable development goes beyond infrastructure and enterprises. It also means investing in people, especially young people, who represent the future of our region,” Wambura said.

He said sports sponsorship is one of the key pillars of EADB’s Corporate Social Initiatives (CSI), noting that sport plays an important role in building character, promoting healthy lifestyles, and creating opportunities for young people.

“Sports sponsorship is one of the key pillars of our Corporate Social Initiatives agenda because we understand the transformative power of sports in shaping character, promoting healthy lifestyles, and unlocking opportunities for young people in our region,” he said.

The EADB funding will support the production of medals and trophies for winning teams, as well as the provision of playing kits for participants competing in the finals.

Wambura said the Bank’s contribution goes beyond supporting the immediate competition, describing it as an investment in the future generation of East African leaders.

“Through this sponsorship, we are investing not only in the competition but in the development of the next generation of East African leaders,” he added.

Uganda is targeting a strong medal haul and overall dominance across the various disciplines as the regional championship continues in Morogoro.

The Games have attracted 413 teams and 5,548 participants from across East Africa, competing in a wide range of sporting disciplines, making the 2026 edition one of the largest school sports competitions.