Speaker Anita Among has flagged off the sports teams going to represent Uganda at the East African Community (EAC) parliamentary games in Kigali-Rwanda.
Among further asked MPs to ensure that they use the games to widen, deepen and tighten the EAC relationship.
“I want to thank you so much for going for these games, and I want to thank you for the devotion you have put in training every day, you make us proud as Parliament of Uganda, you know the principles of the East African Community, it is to widen, deepen and tighten,” Among said.
Asuman Basalirwa (Bugiri Municipality) MP, who also doubles as Chairperson Parliamentary Sports Club promised to ensure that Uganda defends its title as the champions and ensure that the country’s image isn’t tainted at the games.
“The teams have trained, the coaches have done their best, what we can only promise you is victory. As you flag us off, we want to confirm that we will keep a very good image of the Parliament of Uganda, we will not disappoint you and we will not disappoint our country,” remarked Basalirwa.
Peter Ogwang, Minister of State for Sports informed the Speaker, “We want to promise you that we will win these trophies, we must understand the purpose of these games, and number one is to widen, tighten and deepen the East African Community.”
During Wednesday’s plenary session, Among warned MPs representing Uganda at the East African Games, against shaming their country by sleeping in cheap hotels, saying the $720 (Shs2,719,602) that they will earn as per diem should be enough to get them decent hotels, instead of camping in cheap hotels of $20 (Shs75,533).
“I want to encourage MPs that as you go there, represent Uganda well in terms of discipline. I am giving you money, $720 per day and you go and sleep in a room of $20 that is unacceptable for a Member of Parliament, members go and represent us well, represent us well, do not go and live in a miserable way,” Among cautioned.
