A hat-trick (3 goals) by striker, Hon Muhammad Nsereko set the pace for Uganda who thumped Burundi National Assembly 4-0 in a one sided game at the Nakivubo Stadium. EALA/EAC team also got off to a good start dispatching Bunge FC of Kenya 2-1 in a lively match as the Inter-Parliamentary Games 2013 started.
The Kampala Central legislator, who was razor sharp in front of goal, drew the first blood in the 20th minute after receiving a pass from Hon Odonga Otto. The Burundi National Assembly failed to click throughout the game with a leaking defence which constantly soaked-in pressure from the marauding Parliament of Uganda strikers.
Uganda led 1-0 at half-time. Immediately upon resumption, Hon Nsereko who was playing before his constituents would return to score two quick successive goals. Five minutes to the end of the match, midfielder Haruna Mawa beat the defence line of Niyonkuru Mike and Hon SInamenya Salvatore to tap the ball past Clauda Ndereyimana into the net. Burundi National Assembly however would thank their goalkeeper who made a number of daring saves.
In the second match of the day, Bunge FC started on a high note and were rewarded when Justus Ochome beat the defence to fire the opener past a stranded Hamza Rashid in goal. However in the second half EALA coach, Rishad Rajab rested Hon Straton Ndikuryayo introducing Hon Dan Kidega and brought on Hon Taslima Twaha for a hard-working Hon Mike Sebalu. Star striker, Wycliff Ketto then dribbled past the entire defence line of Kenya but was brought down in mid- second half for a penalty. Taking the resultant penalty, Ketto calmly slotted the ball beating Kenyan goal-keeper, K. Kega to equalize for EALA.
Hon Christophe Bazivamo was lethal on the left wing running rings around the Bunge FC defence. The burly forward missed scoring narrowly when he beat the goal-keeper, K. Kega but shot inches wide.
Seven minutes into the end of the match, Wyclif Ketto again picked up a loose ball in the midfield and spotted an unmarked John Kibwana. Kibwana raced and fired past the keeper to give EALA the lead.
At the Lugogo indoor stadium, Parliament of Uganda opened their title chase with an emphatic win of 50 points over 10 points of Kenya. Star player, Hon Sarah Netasire and Hon Elizabeth Namuhenge were the stars notching in several points between them. Hon Dorcas Kedogo and Senator Mshenga Mvita would reply for the Kenyan team in the last quarter of the match. The Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda Rt. Hon Rebecca Kadaga featured in the match as well.
In the second match of the day, Parliament of Tanzania white-washed the EALA/EAC team 50-5 in a one-side match. The Parliament of Tanzania led the match 26-1 by the end of the second quarter. Hon Grace Kiwelu was the star of the match and constantly pinned the EALA team led by the Speaker Rt. Hon Margaret Nantongo Zziwa in their own half. In the third and fourth quarters, Parliament of Tanzania proved to be too good for the regional legislators. Hon Rachel Mashishanga who replaced Hon Grace Kiwelu was a constant thorn in the flesh of EALA, breaking through the backline time and again. EALA’s points were notched in by Hon Judith Pareno, Alice Nakamya and Petronila Gibolo.
Tomorrow, Parliament of Uganda plays with Parliament of Rwanda in the first match in soccer while Bunge FC of Kenya face off with Parliament of Tanzania. At the Lugogo Indoor Stadium, Kenya and EALA are both expected to be awarded walk-over as Burundi and Rwanda whom they face respectively, shall not feature netball teams.
NOTE TO EDITORS
The EAC (EALA) mooted the idea of the liaising with other Parliaments through football in 2001. Then, EALA hosted a special tournament to mark the occasion of its establishment in Arusha, Tanzania.
However, it was not until November 2009 that EALA organised the initial Inter-Parliamentary football tournament. EALA has continued to organise the games as the co-ordinator and works closely with the hosting National Assembly/Parliament to ensure successful tournaments. The EAC Speakers at their 4th Speakers’ Forum held in the same month agreed to have the Inter-Parliamentary games held on an annual and rotational basis. At the same time, the Speakers’ Forum urged all National Assemblies/Parliaments to have a permanent budget line for the tournament.
EALA has institutionalized the tournament in its calendar of activities. The tournament currently features football and netball. The opportunity is also used to hold other activities in the social, intellectual and political fields.
-Ends-
For more information, contact:
Bobi Odiko,
Senior Public Relations Officer,
East African Legislative Assembly,
Tel: Cell: +255-787-870945, +254-733-718036, + 256-785-873544.
Email: Bodiko@eachq.org
