The 15th edition of the East African Community (EAC) Inter-Parliamentary Games (IPG) 2025 officially opened in Kampala, Uganda, hosted by the Parliament of Uganda.
Before delivering the President’s official statement at the opening ceremony at Kololo, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa underscored the core purpose of the Games, noting that they reflect “a commitment to the shared contribution of the region’s legislators to the growth of the East African Community.” He emphasized that the annual event is far more than a recreational sports competition; it is a vital platform where EAC lawmakers build camaraderie, strengthen professional ties, and reinforce their dedication to regional integration beyond the formal legislative setting.
The 13-day event—running until December 17th—opened under the theme “Advancing Integration through EAC Parliamentary Sports.” Participating countries include Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, and South Sudan.
Delivering the President’s official message, Tayebwa stressed the strategic importance of a fully integrated East Africa. The statement highlighted the region’s demographic and economic strength, noting that its nearly 500 million people form a powerful market essential for attracting foreign investment, driving industrialization, and promoting technological innovation.
Tayebwa conveyed the President’s view that “East African integration is not a small matter,” outlining immediate priorities such as eliminating non-tariff barriers, modernizing border infrastructure, and fast-tracking major transport corridors, including railways, roads, energy grids, and pipelines.
The President’s message also pointed to ongoing industrial collaboration, citing joint refinery efforts with Kenya and Tanzania. It referenced the $500 million investment by a Kenyan businessman in the Devki Mega Steel Plant in Tororo, underscoring the importance of value addition and strengthening cross-border production chains.
On regional security, Tayebwa clarified recent comments regarding the Indian Ocean, reaffirming that the objective is strategic regional security integration—coordinating land, air, naval, and space capabilities—rather than territorial expansion.
Kenya’s Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Moses Wetang’ula, commended Uganda and Speaker Anita Among for quickly stepping in to host the Games after logistical challenges and electoral preparations forced Burundi and Tanzania to withdraw. He praised Uganda’s readiness as reflecting the founding spirit of regional leaders like Julius Nyerere, Jomo Kenyatta, and Milton Obote.
While celebrating regional cooperation, Wetang’ula urged member states to fully embrace free movement across the EAC, noting that citizens still face unnecessary border restrictions. He cited Kenya’s visa-free entry policy for all Africans as a practical step toward deeper unity. “Integration is not an option, but a necessity,” he said, emphasizing the cultural, familial, and historical bonds that unite East Africans and expressing hope for the eventual achievement of political federation.
East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Speaker Joseph Ntakirutimana also praised Uganda for taking on the hosting duties at short notice. He highlighted the power of sports to bridge cultural and geographic divides, foster friendships, and strengthen social cohesion among legislators.
Ntakirutimana encouraged delegations to engage with Uganda’s culture and hospitality and to use informal interactions outside parliamentary chambers to advance integration.
