The Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda, Rt Hon. Dr Ruhakana Rugunda has hailed the EAC Secretariat and various partners for creating a platform for young people to discuss their role in the future of their respective countries and most importantly, the East Africa region.
Dr Ruhakana Rugunda, who was today officially opening the 4th EAC University Students’ Debate on Regional Integration at the International University of East Africa campus in Kasanga, Kampala, said as young people, the youth should continue to explore the opportunities being availed by the East African Community and to use such platforms to hasten their knowledge and network among themselves.
The Prime Minister, who was represented by Prof. Dr Sandy Stevens Tickodri Tagaboa, the State Minister in charge of Higher Education, Science and Technology, said there was need to encourage dialogue among the youths to promote the ethos of ethical and accountable leadership aimed at developing positive attitudes among the young people in the region.
He said since the 4th EAC University Students’ Debate was focussing on values, ethics and leadership, the three form the moral fibre of society and were critical to moulding the choices that youth make by imparting in them the desired principles such as integrity and accountability which are key in advancing the broad aims of the EAC integration, with youth as key stakeholders.
The Prime Minister disclosed that a National Youth Policy in Uganda was formulated in 2002 with the aim of enhancing youth participation in overall development processes and improving their quality of life.
Dr Rugunda noted that corruption remains a key challenge in the region and it was worrying that only about 53% of East Africans think they can make a difference in the fight against the vice. “This is an alarming statistic and as young people, you should ensure that you fight this trend”.
The Prime Minister noted that young people today had embraced the power of the internet and social media to interact, express themselves and to make their voice heard in a way that was not possible before. He therefore called upon the youth in the region to make linkages between democratic processes and these new ways of expression and communication and to use them to reinforce rather than threaten democracy.
While welcoming the students and invited guests to the event, the EAC Deputy Secretary-General in charge of Political Federation, Mr Charles Njoroge said the Debate was one among other initiatives aimed at bringing young people on board to dialogue on core issues pertinent to the EAC integration agenda.
The Deputy Secretary-General reaffirmed that the theme for the debate, the importance of upholding democratic principles, ethics and accountability among youth in advancing EAC integration, was very timely as ethics, integrity and upholding principles of democratic governance were among the fundamental principles and core values of the EAC.
“Other values that we hold dear, include celebrating unity in diversity, being accountable to the people, upholding the rule of law and ensuring transparency. The current dialogue on this theme is promising… it is in sync with the on-going debate in most of the EAC Partner States”, noted the EAC official.
Prof. Olubayi Olubayi, Vice Chancellor, International University of East Africa urged the students in the region to nurture the culture of innovativeness, while Prof. Pontien Ndabandeza, the Deputy Executive Secretary, Inter-University Council of East Africa, hailed the EAC Secretariat for introducing the spirit and culture of competitiveness within and among the students and University communities in East Africa.
Director Dr Alex Awiti, who was also the Moderator for the 4th EAC University Students Debate, represented Aga Khan University.
Over 200 young men and women from different Universities in Republics of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda are participating in the 2-day event.
The International Trade Centre (ITC) and the East African Community (EAC) yesterday announced that the two organisations are launching a new, joint project to boost intra-African trade.
The Trade and Regional Integration Project (TRIP) for EAC was announced by the EAC Secretary-General Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera and ITC Executive Director Arancha González on the margins of the World Trade Organisation’s Ministerial Conference taking place in Nairobi, Kenya from 15-18 December 2015.
The new initiative aims to strengthen existing efforts by East African Partner States for closer economic integration, including the EAC Customs Union and the EAC Common Market.
The TRIP for EAC project also sets out to support the African Union’s Action Plan for Boosting Intra-African Trade and the recently agreed tripartite free-trade agreement among the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, the EAC and the Southern African Development Community.
Specifically the project aims to boost the competitiveness of EAC-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enabling them to step up intra-and inter-regional trade. The project will have a strong focus on women’s economic empowerment, and will also support wider private-sector development in the EAC to spur deeper economic integration, including in agriculture, information and communication technologies, and tourism.
“Regional integration led by the private sector is a powerful vehicle for boosting growth, creating jobs and promoting economic development”, Ms González said. “Enabling the private sector and policymakers to take advantage of trade opportunities is at the heart of what ITC does. We are looking forward to doing this in collaboration with the EAC, and to ensuring sustainable growth for East African countries and their SMEs”.
Amb. Sezibera said: “This cooperation will contribute to improve the global competitiveness of our region and to trigger sustainable economic growth”. Implementation of the five-year US$ 8.5 million TRIP for EAC project is set to begin in January 2016. The Government of Finland has pledged to provide initial funding.
ITC and the EAC will intervene at three levels to provide integrated solutions to problems of SME competitiveness. At the enterprise level, they will work to enhance the competitiveness of SMEs in selected sectors, with a strong focus on women entrepreneurs.
At the institutional level, they will work to strengthen trade and investment support institutions, enabling them to better serve their SME clients, especially on export development and international marketing services.
Finally, at the trade policy level, the project will aim to enhance the business environment through improving trade facilitation and public-private dialogue to ensure that reforms correspond to business needs.
All is set for the 4th EAC University students’ debate scheduled to take place on 18-19th December 2015 at the International University of East Africa in Kampala, Uganda. The debate is expected to bring together representation from University students, lecturers, academia, policy makers, media, youth leaders and high school students within the region.
The EAC University Students’ Debate Model is an interactive and representational style of debating aimed at educating, discussing and making resolutions among the Youth in East African to nurture a bond of “eastafricaness” with a distinct East African identity that is very much desired. The objective of the EAC University students’ Debate Model is to exchange information, share ideas and recognise a common ground among the students and youth in the bloc.
Apart from ascertaining the analytical skills of debaters; encouraging research among the debaters about the EAC integration process; as well as encouraging diplomatic policy formulation among the debaters; the EAC University students’ debate aims at discovering leadership talent and appoint Youth Ambassadors to champion the integration process.
The EAC University Students’ Debate emphasises on the use of the value and policy approaches given that the EAC Integration is people-centered and Private Sector driven, hence giving the youth an opportunity to come up with policies that will enable the Secretariat develop programs and initiatives aimed at empowering youth in the region.
The debate will comprise of two teams; Affirmative Team made up of Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General, Chairperson of the Council of Ministers, Amicus Curiae and the Counsel to the Community, and the second team will be the Alternative Strategy Team comprising of the Attorneys General from each Partner State. This has been set as the correct position for this form of dialogue to avoid the word “opposition” used in the context in which it is always perceived.
Each team will comprise of 5 debaters drawn from the five Partner States making 10 debaters from the two teams. Prof. Dr Sandy Stevens Tickodri Tagaboa, Uganda’s State Minister in charge of Higher Education, Science and Technology is expected to officiate at the official opening. Others expected are Prof. Olubayi Olubayi, Vice Chancellor, International University of East Africa; Prof. Alexandre Lyambabaje, the Executive Secretary of the Inter-University Council of East Africa, and Mr Charles Njoroge, the EAC Deputy Secretary-General (Political Federation). A gala dinner and award ceremony to be officiated by Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera, Secretary-General, accompanied by the VC – IUEA, State Minister in charge of Higher Education and the Speaker of EALA will crown the 4th EAC University Students’ debate on Saturday 19th December 2015.
The youth of East Africa are important stakeholder in the EAC processes and form substantial part of the population. Article 120(c) of the EAC Treaty provides for adoption of a common approach for involvement of the youth in the integration process through education, training and mainstreaming youth issues into EAC policies, programmes and projects as one of the strategic interventions towards the realisation of a fully integrated Community.
In a bid to promote stronger cross border interactions and community engagements, the EAC Secretariat, in collaboration with East Africa Local Governments Association (EALGA), the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the German International Development Agency (GIZ) organised a fun-filled sports and cultural festival at Cyanika town on the border of the Republics of Rwanda and Uganda over the weekend.
Following up on the recommendations of the 21st Sectoral Council of Ministers Responsible for EAC Affairs and Planning meeting in October 2014, which recommended that the activities in the concept note to declare 2015 as the year of the “East African Citizen” be implemented as sensitisation programmes; the Festival aimed at engaging ordinary citizens of the EAC Partner States about the privileges available to them, as well as providing a platform on which they can meet, share, have fun and interact as one community under the EAC.
Bringing together over 1,300 festival-goers, the town of Cyanika was painted in an array of sports, including football, volleyball and cycling, cultural expressions and artistry from Uganda and Rwanda. The Festival was graced by Mr Sam Byibeshyo, the Lord Mayor of Kisoro town, Uganda and Mr Samuel Sembagare, the Lord Mayor of Burera district-Northern Provence, Rwanda. Other attendees included government officials from the district regional offices in Kisoro, Uganda and Burera, Rwanda, police and immigration officers from the local border authorities, women and young traders.
“This is an exciting step forward for the Community in getting East Africans more engaged in the integration process”, said Mr Owora Richard Othieno, EAC’s Principal Information and Public Relations Officer. “We hope that after today, other border communities will initiate similar activities at their border points”, he said.
The year of the East African Citizen is in line with the EAC Consultative Dialogue Framework which ensures continuous dialogue between the EAC Secretariat, Organs and Institutions, Local governments Civil Society Organisations, Private Sector Organisations and other interest groups both at the national and regional level.
The Consultative Dialogue Framework is aimed at ensuring that the integration process proceeds with the involvement of the citizens of EAC Partner States and is undertaken in the context of multi-stakeholder partnerships.
Speaking at the Festival, Mr Byibeshyo expressed his gratitude to the EAC Secretariat and local governments for bringing together citizens from Uganda and Rwanda to work together and promote integration, adding that, “we will continue to support the journey that the EAC has started, and I call upon every East African to join hands and fight whatever obstacles that hinder the integration of East Africa”.
In concurrence with the Ugandan Mayor, Mr Sembagare, emphasised on the importance of East Africans to take ownership of the integration process and, “use the opportunities availed by the Common Market and the Single Customs regimes to enhance good neighbourliness and community development”.
Finally, EALA are champs of the Inter-Parliamentary Football tournament. The Regional Assembly late Thursday put to a halt, Parliament of Uganda’s dominance in soccer, beating them 4-3 on penalties.
The regular time score ended 1-1. EALA took the lead through their striker who picked a loose ball from Wycliff Ketto to latch the ball past Goalie Ssekide Dan, sending the crowd in to a frenzy. The match started on a high note with EALA dominating the play.
Hon. Martin Ngoga and Hon. Taslima Twaha controlled the midfield in the earlier stages of the match. EALA Speaker, Rt Hon. Daniel Kidega could have put the victors ahead in the 17th minute but he shot wide with the Parliament of Rwanda Goalkeeper, Bosabose Emile beaten.
Parliament of Uganda then settled and began making inroads into the EALA defence line marshalled by Peter Asiimwe and Hon. Straton Ndikuryayo. Captain Hon. Patrick Nsanja missed a sitter after receiving a pass from striker Hon. Nsereko Muhammad mid-way as the match progressed.
In the second half, Parliament of Uganda came back a more rejuvenated side following Coach Tom Lwanga’s pep talk to his charges. Hon. Otto Odonga collected the ball from the midfield and beat two defenders to set a through pass to Hon. Nsanja Patrick who slotted home the equaliser.
The match went into extra-time but ended in a draw resulting in a penalty. EALA Goalkeeper saved a crucial penalty taken by Hon. Muhammad Nsereko as the match ended 4-3 in their favour.
Dan Ssekide, Edward Mubiru and Hon. Nsanja Patrick scored the spot kicks. Hon. Gatabazi JMV won the Most Valuable Player’s award after having tied with EALA striker Wycliff Ketto. The rules governing soccer provide that where a Member of Parliament ties with a staff, then the former shall be accorded the prize.
The golden boot (top scorer) went to Hon. Patrick Nsanja of Uganda while Parliament of Kenya won the most disciplined team.
Earlier on, Parliament of Rwanda scooped position three after beating Parliament of Kenya 4-2 in penalties after a match that ended in a barren draw. It was yet another day when Parliament of Kenya’s strikers failed to find the back of the net. Scorers for the Parliament of Rwanda were Nshimiyimana Ernest, Habimana Augustin, Ngoboka Eric and Ndagijimana Eric.
Senator Isaac Melly and Jorum Baraza scored for Parliament of Kenya while Hon. Peter Kaluma and Jillo Yezeli shot wide. Parliament of Kenya also bagged the volleyball men’s tournament, athletics men and the overall trophy in athletics.
In women’s volleyball, Parliament of Rwanda were declared winners beating Parliament of Kenya by 2 sets to 0, 25-20 and 25-16.
Parliament of Uganda were declared the champs of the 2015 netball tournament. Parliament of Uganda beat Parliament of Kenya 45-9.
Leading goal shooter, Hon. Susan Netasiire won the golden hand after amassing 79 points while Hon. Winifred Kiiza was declared the Most Valuable Player.
The Secretary-General of the East African Community, Amb. Dr Richard Sezibera has cautioned the international community that the world was at a crossroads and the outcome of the Paris Climate Conference shall either bequeath a better, safer planet to future generations, or “destroy our common heritage and our shared humanity”.
Speaking at the 21st Session of the Conference of Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), also serving as the 11th Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP11) currently underway in Paris, France, the Secretary-General expressed the wishes and expectations of the East African citizens on the Paris Climate Change talks and reckoned that the Agreement must take into consideration the interest of the vulnerable and poor by ensuring that adaptation is equally prioritised and differentiated responsibilities of developed and developing countries reflected in the Agreement.
Amb. Sezibera further urged that issues related to loss and damage associated with Climate Change impact must be firmly anchored in the agreement through the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage and country ownership of adaptation and mitigation programmes and projects, and ensure transparency in the provisions of financial, technology transfer and other forms of support including capacity building, which should be customised to specific needs of beneficiary countries.
“EAC is ready and committed towards supporting implementation of the Paris Agreement by supporting EAC Partner States through the process of ratification of the agreement to pave way for its early entry into force in 2020”, the Secretary-General reiterated.
The EAC official reaffirmed the region’s commitment to aligning its existing Regional Climate Change Policy (2011), the 5 year EAC Climate Change Strategy and Master Plan (2033) to the Paris Agreement as well as fast tracking the process for enacting a Regional Climate Change Bill through the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).
He called for international support in the capitalisation of the EAC Climate Change Fund through pioneering the accreditation of EAC as a Regional Implementing Entities under the Adaptation Fund and the Green Climate Fund.
Speaking at the African Day of COP21 convened under the theme; Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs): implications, prospects and Africa’s readiness to contribute to climate solutions, the Secretary-General applauded the EAC Partner States for submitting their INDCs to address climate change mitigation and adaptation.
“Information included in the INDCs should facilitate negotiations and deliver a new Climate Agreement in Paris”, said the Secretary-General. He stated that region was looking forward to the implementation of INDCs based on associated support requirements of finance, technology transfer, and capacity building to be provided by the developed countries.
He asserted that EAC was fully in support of the continental climate resilient and low carbon development initiatives and programmes such as the Africa Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance, the African Adaptation and Loss and Damage Initiative, and the Africa Renewable Energy Initiative launched in Paris. The newly established EAC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency stands to contribute to the implementation of the latter Initiative.
The United Nations Climate Change Conference commenced on 30th November 2015 and is expected to close on 11th December 2015 by delivering a new global climate agreement negotiated by UNFCCC Parties under the Ad-hoc Working Group on Durban Platform for Enhanced Action.
Parliament of Uganda are the champs of the 2015 netball tournament. Parliament of Uganda beat Parliament of Kenya 45-9 in a one sided final played at the Amahoro Stadium yesterday.
Leading goal shooter, Hon. Susan Netasiire scored 33 points while Hon. Susan Amero scored 12 points for the victors. Parliament of Uganda dominated the entire match. The Parliament of Kenya replied through Hon. Dorcas Kedogo.
EALA finished third after dispatching Parliament of Rwanda 28-13. Hon. Judith Pareno and Idah Nakabhugo scored the points for the winners respectively. In men’s volleyball final, Parliament of Kenya beat Parliament of Rwanda 2 sets to 0 in a hotly contested match. The Kenyans won (25-20) and (25–20) respectively.
Today’s volleyball (women) finals will pit Parliament of Rwanda and Parliament of Kenya. The match shall be preceded by a third and fourth place finals featuring EALA and Parliament of Kenya.
In soccer, EALA will play Parliament of Uganda in the finals at the Kigali Memorial Stadium in Nyamirambo. EALA beat Parliament of Rwanda 1-0 on Tuesday while Parliament of Uganda sailed through after beating Parliament of Kenya 4-2 in penalties.
In Golf, Parliament of Kenya’s Hon. Kariuki won the tournament after garnering 36 pointers. Hon. Kariuki who is a handicap 12 beat closest challenger, Hon. Peter Mathuki of EALA, handicap 28 who got 25 points. Rwanda’s Hon. Mporanyi Theo scooped 22 points.
The East African Court of Justice (EACJ) Annual Judges’ Seminar has opened in Nairobi, Kenya. The seminar which was organised by the Court in collaboration with Raoul Wallenberg Institute (RWI) is one of the activities the RWI supports to build the court’s capacity and increase its visibility among stakeholders.
The Judge President of the EACJ, Hon. Justice Dr Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, in his opening remarks commended the RWI for its continued support that had enabled the Court to build capacity through seminars and trainings for Judges, adding that RWI had also helped conduct sensitisation workshops for the Stakeholders.
Justice Ugirashebuja further said that the outcome of the seminar would benefit the Court by furnishing it with the experience of the European Court of Justice particularly in handling matters of preliminary rulings referred to Court by the National Courts for interpretation in accordance with the provision of Article 34 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.
The Head of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute Office in Kenya, Mr Josh Ounsted, thanked the EACJ for its co-operation and partnership and pledged his organisation’s continued support to the Court.
The three-day workshop commenced on 9th December and will go on up to 11th December 2015. It is being attended by Judges of the Court’s Appellate and First Instance Divisions. The workshop is being facilitated by Ambassador Anders Kruse – a distinguished Speaker from Sweden – who will take the Judges through a number of sessions.
The seminar mainly focus on the following areas: the Comparative special character of Regional Courts: the general structure of the European Union (EU) Courts; the relationship between Member States and the EU; Development in EU Law and fundamental rights (rule of Law and right to fair trial within the European Court of Human Rights); Preliminary rulings in the EU; special characteristics and interaction between member states’ Courts and the EU; Limits to the EU Court’s jurisdiction and freedom; References for Preliminary Rulings: Comparative Perspective; European integration and role of the EU Court; the EU criminal and procedural laws, litigation before the European Court of Justice as well as a practitioner’s perspective.
During the seminar, the Court will also carry out the evaluation of its co-operation with the RWI and make recommendations for future directions and activities.
In attendance was also the Vice President of the Court, Justice Liboire Nkurunziza, Justice Aaron Ringera (Appellate Division), the Deputy Principal Judge, Justice Isaac Lenaola, Justice Fakihi Jundu (First Instance Division), Justice Audace Ngiye (First Instance Division) and the Acting Registrar of the EACJ, Her Worship Ms Geraldine Umugwaneza.
The East African Court of Justice Stakeholders’ conference which took place at Intercontinental Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya was officiated by the Integration Secretary in the State Department of East African Affairs & Ag. Permanent Secretary, Mr Barrack Ndegwa representing the Minister of East African Community Affairs Kenya, Hon. Phyllis J. Kandie, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Labour, Social Security and East African Affairs.
Mr Ndegwa reading the Statement for the Minister said that, the integration process of the East African Community has progressed in terms of social, cultural and economic integration. “Currently as one block, we are looking forward to a future that encompasses other regional blocks through the EAC-COMESA-SADC Tripartite Agreement. With such progress unfolding, we need strong dispute resolution mechanism more than ever and hence look up to our National and Regional Courts”, the Minister stated.
Hon. Kandie also emphasised the Kenya’s commitment in supporting the East African Court of Justice and stated that “As Kenya, we are very litigious society, very much concerned with our rights and frequently approach the courts for adjudication of our matters, therefore we are keen to ratifying the Protocol on the extension of the Jurisdiction of the Court”.
The Minister noted that, she is aware that the Treaty establishing the East African Community in Article 33 clearly outlines the relationship between National Courts and the East African Court of Justice and hence, there is need to increase awareness on the working relations to work together.
The President of the Court, Hon. Justice Dr Ugirashebuja also thanked the Government of Kenya specifically the Ministry of the East African Community Affairs, the Raoul Wallenberg Institute and Staff of the EACJ for bringing the initiative to fruition. His Lordship added that the EAC Integration is of utmost importance to all the Partner States in the region, economically, politically, and socially. He said that through integration and the development of an internal market, economic growth is inevitably stimulated.
Justice Ugirashebuja further stated that, “as regional integration experience has shown, law plays an absolutely vital role in integration. He added that it is law that provides the legal backbone of Regional Integration. It is law that provides concrete rights and benefits of Regional Integration to business and individuals. It is the law that allows free and efficient movement within the internal market. And it is also within the legal framework that the political actors meet and interact. Because of the importance of law, Regional Integration requires good co-operation between all the Partner States in the rule of law chain; Judges, lawyers, civil servants, academics, business and individuals. We must contribute to make the EAC living legal reality”, the President of the Court said.
His Lordship also said that the EACJ plays a crucial role in resolving disputes which would threaten the survival of a community. He added that without dispute resolution mechanism, the survival of the Community is at stake. The President further said that without the case law, and the many rules and principles that the Court has developed and will continue to develop, the Community will not arrive at where it aims to be.
Justice Ugirashebuja concluded saying that the effectiveness of the Court will largely depend on its relationship with the stakeholders. Their role is very vital in the development of the EAC Laws, jurisprudence and uniform interpretation and application of the EAC law. He finally said that, it is only jointly that the partners in the rule of law chain can develop the potential of East African integration and reap the benefits it offers. The President reiterated his sincere gratitude to everyone who raised the occasion with his / her presence.
The representative of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute (RWI) of Human Rights, Head Office Kenya, Mr. Josh Ousted thanked the EACJ for the good co-operation and partnership and pledged continuous support to the Court in increasing visibility and capacity building of the Court to promote the Regional Integration agenda.
The workshop was attended by the Judges of the EACJ, Members of the Civil Society Organisations, the legal fraternity, private sector, academia and media. Also in attendance was Ambassador Anders Kruse, distinguished Speaker from Sweden, Hon. Justice Aaron Ringera and Hon. Justice Isaac Lenaola, judges of EACJ who are from the Republic of Kenya, Ms Geraldine Umugwaneza, the Ag. Registrar of the East African Court of Justice and Staff.
The Court earlier on Monday, 7th December 2015 also had an editorial meeting to discuss the modalities of publishing the EACJ Law Report before end of the year with the support from Raoul Wallenberg Institute. Later, it also held a planning meeting to look into the new activities, plans and projects the Court will co-operate with the RWI for further support. The Court continues with the seminar of the Judges of the Court to increase capacity building and how the European Union Court operates.
The script is the same. However, the question on everyone’s lips is whether EALA shall maintain the tempo or if defending champions, Parliament of Uganda shall succeed in seeking vengeance when the two teams meet for the second time in the tournament - but this time around in the grand finale.
In the earlier group stages played during the week, EALA displayed crisp passes and held their own beating Uganda 2-1. Can they repeat the feat? or will Parliament of Uganda carry the day and win the tournament for the fifth time in a row? Time will tell but the matter shall be settled with finality on 10th December.
Today, EALA beat Parliament of Rwanda by a solitary goal notched in by Ibrahim Jamal after a one-two combination with Wyclif Ketto at the Kigali Regional Stadium in Nyamirambo to book a place in the finals.
In an earlier game, Parliament of Uganda beat a strong Parliament of Kenya 4-2 in post-match penalties following a goalless match in an entertaining match.
EALA started the game purposely with Wycliff Ketto missing to tap in the ball in the 5th minute with the keeper Emile Bosabose beaten. Ernestte Nshyimiyana replied with a counter-attack after dispossessing Hon Straton Ndikuryayo but he failed to beat the advancing EALA Goalkeeper.
Parliament of Rwanda thereafter piled pressure with creative striker, Rt Hon. Bernard Makuza leading the attack but the defence line marshalled by Peter Asiimwe and Hon. Straton Ndikuryayo held on.
Parliament of Kenya on their part will, however, rue over the missed chance. Right winger, Hon. David Ochieng had a field day, constantly running over the Parliament of Uganda left full-back, but the striking pair of Hon. Victor Munyaka and Hon. Augustin Netto failed to convert the passes. Hon. Shiniali then came in and made marauding runs on the left flank.
Parliament of Uganda also raided the Kenya backline looking for an early goal. Hon. Peter Ogwang fired a volley into the net past Kenya’s keeper, Hon. Kanini Kega but was adjudged to be offside.
The extra-time of ten minutes each was a balanced affair with each Parliament attacking and counter-attacking.
Parliament of Uganda scored four spot-kicks through Hassan Tindyebwa, Hon. Odonga Otto, Daniel Ssekide and Hon. Patrick Nsanja. Parliament of Kenya scored through Joram Baraza and Hon. Karanja while Stephen Njatta and Hon. Shinali penalties hit the woodwork.
“We failed to convert our chances, we could have wrapped it in the first half but it was not our day”, Kenya’s Head coach, Sylvester Ocholla was quoted as saying.
In women’s volleyball played at the Petite Stade, Parliament of Kenya beat Parliament of Uganda by 2 sets to 0 to book a final slot with Parliament of Rwanda. The Kenyans won both sets (25-13) and (25-15) respectively.
In the second match of the day (women), Parliament of Rwanda dismissed EALA 2 sets to 0. Parliament of Rwanda was too strong for the EALA side whitewashing them (25-5) and (25-10) in both sets.
The netball finals are expected to be held at the Amahoro Stadium tomorrow. Parliament of Rwanda will meet EALA in the 3rd and 4th place match before Uganda and Kenya face off to determine the winner. Also taking place at the Kigali Golf Club, Nyarutarama is golf.
