East African leaders urged to strengthen FEASSA Games for regional unity

The Heads of State of the East African Community have been urged to strengthen the Federation of East African Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) Games as a means of fostering regional unity and integration through sports.

The appeal was made by Julius Migos Ogamba, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Education, who represented President Dr. William Samoei Ruto as chief guest at the official opening ceremony held at Bukhungu International Stadium on Friday.

In his address, Ogamba praised the FEASSA Games as a vital platform for nurturing East African unity, talent development, and cultural exchange.

“We are the region with the best-organized platform for nurturing lifelong friendships and celebrating shared values through sports,” he said, calling on partner states to continue investing in school sports as a stepping stone to continental and global competitions.

He also commended Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania for jointly hosting the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) and preparing to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in the coming months, noting that such milestones inspire young athletes to aim higher.

FEASSA President Justus Mugisha expressed appreciation to East African leaders for their continued support of sports, which has enabled the annual hosting of the East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Games.

“I am delighted to confirm that all member states are here. Only South Sudan is not represented in these games, but the attendance is so good,” Mugisha said. He noted that this year’s edition has attracted over 4,000 athletes from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, and guest participants from Ivory Coast.

On the pitch, St Mary’s Kitende delivered a commanding performance, dismantling Burundi’s EPM Mpanda School with a 9–1 victory at Mabao Grounds, Kakamega High School. The goal fest began in the 6th minute with the tournament’s fastest goal so far, courtesy of Collins Ocatre.

Kitende then unleashed a pair of hat-tricks in ruthless fashion: Nkoola Arafat scored in the 10th, 26th, and 44th minutes, while Denis Kisiriko found the net in the 12th, 20th, and 50th minutes. By halftime, Kitende were already cruising with a 6–0 lead.

Frank Sekanjako and Leonard Kasanya added to the tally in the 74th and 76th minutes respectively. EPM Mpanda’s lone goal came in the 54th minute through Nirera Didier, but it did little to challenge Kitende’s dominance.

“We lost the first game to Bukedea Comprehensive School on the first day because the players were not used to these facilities. Now, they have come back into the competition,” said Kitende head coach Zungu Hassan.

He added that while the road ahead will be tough, the team is well-prepared and determined to maintain their winning momentum as they target the trophy in Kakamega.

Elsewhere in boys’ football, Buddo SS (Uganda) played to a 1–1 draw with Butere Boys (Kenya), finishing with ten men after Ssegirinya Ronald Mukasa was sent off in the 80th minute at Bukhungu Stadium. St Joseph’s Kitale (Kenya) defeated APE Rugunga (Rwanda) 2–0 at Kakamega High Ground, while Musingu High School (Kenya) edged Kizuka Secondary School (Tanzania) 1–0 in the official opening ceremony match.