A high-level delegation of East African Speakers of Parliament paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, at the Special Forces Command Headquarters in Entebbe.
The delegation, present in Uganda for the launch of the East African Community (EAC) Parliamentary Games, included Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among, Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda (Host); Rt. Hon. Joseph Ntakirutimana, Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA); Rt. Hon. Moses Wetang’ula, Speaker of the National Assembly of Kenya; Rt. Hon. Alberta Mukabaramba, Speaker of the Senate of Rwanda; Rt. Hon. Clotilde Kampimbare, Second Vice President of the Senate of Burundi; and Hon. Tarimba Abbas, Head of Delegation from Tanzania and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Sports Club.
The meeting, the first-ever of its kind between the CDF and a collective forum of Regional Speakers, marks a significant step in fostering deeper understanding and collaboration between the legislative and security pillars of East Africa.
The Speakers are in the country following the official launch of the EAC Parliamentary Games on 6th December 2024, which are being hosted by Uganda. The Games are a vital platform for promoting people-to-people integration, fellowship, and healthy competition among lawmakers from the partner states.
During the cordial discussions, the visiting Speakers unanimously emphasised the critical importance of the parliamentary games as a catalyst for strengthening unity, friendship, and regional integration amongst the East African Community member states. They highlighted sport as a powerful tool for building bridges and reinforcing the shared destiny of the East African people.
The regional Speakers extended their gratitude to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni for his enduring commitment to East African integration. They further thanked the Government of Uganda for agreeing to host this year’s Parliamentary Games on short notice.
The CDF who is also the Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations welcomed and thanked the regional leaders for their historic courtesy visit, commending their commitment to fostering regional solidarity.