KAMPALA TO HOST EALASCA REGIONAL GAMES IN FEBRUARY 2025

The East African Local Authorities Cultural Association (EALASCA) Games are set to return to Kampala in 2025, bringing together participants from Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, and other East African nations.

Scheduled to take place from February 23 to February 28, the games aim to strengthen regional unity and celebrate the spirit of East African integration through sports and culture.

Frank Rusa, Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and patron of the games, expressed his enthusiasm for hosting the event. Rusa was addressing a team of EALASCA organizing committee representative at City Hall on Tuesday, December 17.

“I like the idea of East African leaders taking the bull by the horns, fostering more interactions through sports. Our president [Museveni] is deeply passionate about East African integration, which strengthens us as a region. Building solid social relationships now will make the political integration of the future easier,” Rusa said.

This marks the third time Kampala will host the EALASCA Games, cementing the city’s reputation as a hub for regional cooperation and cultural exchange.

Rusa emphasized the importance of thorough preparation, stating, “February is a few weeks away, and we must be ready to offer the best hospitality and experience to our guests.”

Charles Magnoti, KCCA’s Director of Education and Social Services and Chairman of EALASCA, noted that the games will feature a variety of sports disciplines with Kampala fielding a strong team to compete for top honors.

Reflecting on the event’s legacy, Magnoti highlighted the significance of last year’s participation by Kampala teams in Kusumu, Kenya, as a step toward fostering deeper connections within the East African Community.

Peter Imwatok, Minority Leader of Nairobi County, Kenya echoed these sentiments, calling Kampala a “home away from home” for Kenyans. “Sports integrate us, and when we play together, we learn from each other’s cultures. A strong social fabric is the foundation for political unity,” Imwatok said.

The EALASCA Games aim to promote not just sportsmanship but also cultural exchange and mutual understanding. Participants will compete in various sporting events, and the games will serve as a platform for forging connections across borders.

With less than three months to go, KCCA has committed to ensuring that the 2024 edition of the EALASCA Games is a resounding success, showcasing Kampala’s capacity as a welcoming and vibrant city.