It was the same script, Uganda vs EALA in the final but just a different setting and venue. At the end of it, defending champions, Parliament of Uganda once again showed their supremacy in class and pace outclassing EAC/EALA 3-0 in a pulsating final at Mandela Stadium Namboole yesterday.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was in attendance as Kampala City legislator, Hon Muhammad Nsereko turned destroyer in chief netting all three goals. He opened the floodgates in the first half with two well executed goals before notching the third to bury EALA. Whereas the Parliament of Uganda’s midfield was alive, the EALA team failed to click in all departments.
“My boys did not play according to instructions today but the opposition (Parliament of Uganda) was. the better side and we congratulate them, EALA coach” Rishad Rajab said.
Parliament of Uganda becomes the first team to win the tournament three times in a row.
Earlier on, Bunge FC of Kenya finished third after beating Vision 2020 FC 2-1.In netball, defending champion, Parliament of Tanzania defeated Parliament of Uganda 35-33 in a hotly contested final match. Points by Hon Grace Kiwelu and Hon Halima Mdee carried the day for Parliament of Tanzania. EALA finished third after silencing Kenya 50-10 in the losers play-off.
For all his efforts, Hon Muhammad Nsereko carried the golden boot. Parliament of Tanzania’s Hon Iddi Azzan and Hon Straton of EALA won the best goalkeeper and the Most Valuable Player awards respectively.
In Netball, Uganda’s Hon Sarah Netasiire who scored 52 goals in the entire tournament was awarded for the best shooter while her compatriot, Hon Winnie Kiiza won the best centre category. Parliament of Tanzania’s Hon Grace Kiwelu was declared the Most Valuable Player.
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.
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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
