{The Vice President of Uganda, H.E Edward Kiwanuka Sekandi officially opened the 9th Edition EAC military games that kicked off in Kampala at Mandela Stadium, Namboole on Sunday 16th August 2015. The opening ceremony was attended by Defence Ministers and Chiefs of Defence Forces from EAC countries with other dignitaries such as ambassadors and EAC Secretariat representatives.
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Rwanda was represented by Rwanda Ambassador to Uganda, Maj Gen Frank Mugambage and the Reserve Force Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Fred Ibingira who came with other RDF Generals and Senior officers. A contingent of 106 players led by Lt Col P Mutangana is representing Rwanda in this 9th edition of EAC military games organized under the theme “ One people, one destiny through EAC military games and cultural event , 2015”.
When addressing the gathering at Mandela Stadium, HE the Vice President of Uganda commended EAC military for fostering integration” I am glad to observe that Defence sector has made very great stride in realisation of EAC integration through successful implementation of MOU in defence cooperation” he said. He called upon players to exhibit professionalism and endurance so that all the teams are winners on different levels of the games. The Vice President said that Sports is very important to build relations among countries and also helpful to shape individual characters and promote discipline.
In his speech Gen (Rtd) Jeje Odongo, Minister of State for Defence in Uganda emphasized on the Colorful event saying it has given opportunity for Militaries in EAC to interact with one another. He thanked different cultural groups present for making the games more vibrant.
The EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Political Federation, Charles Njoroge described the current defence cooperation as milestone driven by the visionary leadership of the region focused to achieving integration. He said that the military games are conducted under MOU in defence cooperation among EAC partner states stipulating that joint operations, joint technical assistance, exchange of information and culture should be organized to build confidence and foster the spirit of comradeship between militaries of EAC partner states.
The UPDF Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Edward Katumba Wamala expressed warm welcome and recognized the commitment of partner states for preparing participants. “As we join these games, we are all winners” he said. He expressed that the regional defence cooperation has already brought good results in regional security citing Somalia as reference where such cooperation helped in building peace.
Coming to the games, Gen Katumba underlined that the objective of such games is to build brotherhood and friendship through sports and interaction of culture. “The event is a signal of Unity and progression among us” he said.
The games organized from 16th to 28th August in Kampala involve 5 disciplines, Football, Basketball, Handball, Netball and Cross Country. The exciting opening match opposed Burundi Football Team to Uganda and ended on 2-2 score. On this Monday 17th August Rwanda will play against Kenya in football at Mandela Stadium . The RDF Reserve Force Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Fred Ibingira will be present to support Rwanda Football team while Brig Gen Andrew Kagame, the Ag. J9 Col Dr Zaac Nsenga and Head of Rwanda Contingent Lt Col P Mutangana will support Handball and Netball teams playing against Uganda Teams in Mukono about 20 km away from Kampala. Rwanda Basketball team also plays against Uganda at Lugogo MTN Basketball ARENA in Kampala.
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