East African legislators for parliamentary extravaganza
Legislators drawn from member states of the East African community (EAC) over the weekend were asked by the speaker of the Uganda Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga to promote sporting activities as a platform that can accelerate regional integration.
Kadaga, who was the chief guest at the start of the 12-day EAC inter-parliamentary (IPG) games in Kampala, underscored the need for ensuring parliamentary diplomacy for integration to take root.
“We are here to learn from each other, appreciate each other in order to strengthen the integration process. I thank you for the honour of giving Parliament of Uganda to host the 10th Inter-Parliamentary Games”, said Kadaga.
“When we established the Community in 1999, we declared it people-centered. I am happy that the people are moving together in that direction”, Kadaga said.
Mary Mugyenyi representing the EALA Speaker, Ngoga Karoli Martin, called for the spirit of collegiality to prevail as the games take place.
“Through a networking event of this nature, the spirit of harmony, friendship and camaraderie must be extended at all times and all differences resolved amicably”, she said.
As we mark the decade of sporting activities, we should not just reflect on the past achievements, but rather herald on what the future portends. Integration is progressive and therefore, we should chart the path as defined in our integration agenda”, Mugyenyi added.
