MPs gear up for EALA games

Uganda's parliamentarians have stepped up preparations for the 2026 East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Games, scheduled to take place in Arusha, Tanzania, from December 4 to 15.

The legislators have been training for at least two months in various disciplines, including netball, basketball, volleyball, athletics, darts, tug of war, and rugby, as they prepare for the 16th edition of the regional games.

Former Netball Uganda president Sarah Babirye Kityo, the Member of Parliament for Bukoto East and manager of the Parliamentary Sports Club, is among the key players hoping to guide Uganda's netball team to defend the title they won when Uganda hosted the games last year.

However, Babirye said one of the challenges facing the team is the absence of several players who did not return following the January elections, forcing the technical team to rebuild the squad.

She said the team would also rely on the experience of coach Fred Mugerwa, who has guided the side to success over the years.

"We have been top contenders and winners in inter-parliamentary netball. With the experience of coach Mugerwa, the gaps left by players who did not return will be addressed," Babirye said.

Mugerwa said starting preparations early had been a positive move, giving the technical team enough time to integrate new players, improve their skills, and build team cohesion.

"We have created a mini-training tournament among the players, with four teams competing. This is intended to put the players in match situations and increase their competitive spirit, and it is working well," Mugerwa said.

He identified Tanzania, the winner of the 2024 edition, as Uganda's biggest hurdle as the team seeks to maintain its dominance in the regional parliamentary netball competition.