KAMPALA SET TO HOST EALASCA GAMES AT HAMZ NAKIVUBO WAR MEMORIAL STADIUM

Kampala is set to host the highly anticipated East African Local Authorities Cultural Association (EALASCA) Games at Hamz Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium.

The event, which runs from February 23 to February 28, will bring together participants from Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, and other East African nations, strengthening regional unity through sports and culture.

The management of Hamz Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) have reached an agreement to host the games at the iconic stadium.

On Thursday, the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Minsa Kabanda, along with the Minister of State for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Kabuye Kyofatogabye, KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki, and KCCA Deputy Executive Director Benon Kigenyi, toured the facility to assess its readiness for the event.

Minister Minsa Kabanda expressed gratitude to the stadium's management for agreeing to host the games. "I’m so grateful that Hamz Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium management has agreed to host the games. We must show other teams that we are the best," she said, commending businessman Hamis Kiggundu for his support and commitment to sports development.

Kyofatogabye emphasized the significance of the event in fostering regional cooperation, stating, "This is in the spirit of East African interactions, and we appreciate Uganda being chosen to host these games."

KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki acknowledged the role of sports in youth development. "Sports is good for the youth. We appreciate the stadium management’s gesture and the efforts put into making this event a success," Buzeki noted.

Hamis Kiggundu, the proprietor of Hamz Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium, expressed his honor in hosting the EALASCA Games. "It’s an honor to have you here. We are thrilled to host these games in the heart of the city and contribute to the success of regional sports and cultural exchange. We are 85% ready and will ensure everything is set for the games," Kiggundu assured.

While the main venue is Nakivubo, the Phillip Omondi Stadium will also host some of the competitions. This marks the third time Kampala has hosted the EALASCA Games, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a hub for regional cooperation and cultural exchange.

According to Charles Magnoti, KCCA’s Director of Education and Social Services and Chairman of EALASCA, the games will feature a variety of sporting disciplines, including football, netball, volleyball, basketball, and indoor games such as chess, draughts, pool, scrabble, and darts.

He highlighted the importance of last year’s games in Kisumu, Kenya, in fostering deeper ties within the East African Community.

"The EALASCA Games are not just about 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 strong cross-border connections," Magnoti said.

With only days left, KCCA has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the 2025 edition of the EALASCA Games is a resounding success, further cementing Kampala’s position as a welcoming and vibrant city for regional events.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer