Museveni roots for investment in sports infrastructure to strengthen EA unity

Here’s a revised introduction that captures the most important aspects of the article and aligns with the headline: Museveni Urges Investment in Sports Infrastructure to Strengthen East African Unity By Gerald Matembu President Museveni has called for increased investment in sports infrastructure to promote unity and integration across East Africa

President Museveni has called for increased investment in sports infrastructure to strengthen unity and integration across East Africa.

His appeal came during the official commissioning of Bukedea Comprehensive Stadium and the launch of the Federation of East African Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) Games, where teams from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda have gathered to compete.

Museveni highlighted the pivotal role of sports in fostering regional integration, describing it as the "grease" that facilitates economic cooperation and political unity.

He stressed that sports not only promote prosperity and strategic security but also reinforce the brotherhood essential for the region’s collective social welfare.

"Sports is the grease facilitating the movement towards economic integration and, eventually, political federation," Museveni remarked.

He encouraged the youth to focus on East African issues rather than being preoccupied with events in distant European countries.

The President also commended Speaker Anita Among for her instrumental role in the development of Bukedea Stadium, noting the project's timely and cost-effective completion.

"I want to thank the Right Honourable Anita Among and her colleagues who developed this stadium at a reasonable cost and quickly," Museveni said.

He urged other leaders to prioritize similar infrastructure projects that contribute to regional growth and cohesion.

FEASSA President Mugisha Justus echoed Museveni's sentiments, praising Among and Esyagi Patrick, the proprietors of Bukedea Comprehensive School and Amus College, respectively, for their dedication to establishing world-class facilities in record time.

"We usually award schools to host these games based on their facilities," Mugisha stated.

"When Bukedea Comprehensive School and Amus College presented their bid, it was futuristic."

"They promised to build the facilities in nine months, which was initially dismissed by the first and second committees."

"However, the executive committee supported it, and FEASSA and member states are not disappointed," he added.

He emphasized the need to replicate similar infrastructure across Uganda's 19 zones and throughout East Africa.

"We wish to emulate this kind of infrastructure in other schools in the 19 zones of Uganda," he said.

The primary goal of the FEASSA Games is to integrate the children of East Africa through sports, aligning with Museveni's lifelong vision of East African unity.

Mugisha expressed confidence in Museveni's leadership and commitment to sports development, citing his selection of sports-oriented leaders, recognition of excelling athletes, and prioritization of sports infrastructure.

The tournament has drawn over 4,000 participants from across East Africa, underscoring the critical role of sports in strengthening ties among the member countries of the East African Federation.

The Director General of Education, Murisa Erias Abid, led the Kenyan delegation, while Tanzania was represented by their Director of Education.

Speaker Among, who also serves as the Director of Bukedea Comprehensive School, confirmed the participation numbers, reflecting the significant regional interest in the event.