The 2025 East African Community Inter-Parliamentary Games burst into life on Saturday with a commanding display from hosts Uganda, who hammered Burundi 4–1 in the opening football fixture at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
Hon. Denis Ssekabira, the Katikamu North MP, stole the evening with a sparkling second-half hat-trick that lit up the flood-lit arena. His clinical finishing ensured Uganda began the defence of their crown with authority.
Uganda had already thrown down an early marker when Hon. John Lamatia struck inside the first 90 seconds, sending home supporters into instant celebration.
Burundi momentarily clawed their way back through Hon. Shabani Nimubona’s well-taken equaliser, but that was as far as their resistance went. Uganda’s spirited resurgence after the interval sealed the contest and affirmed their home dominance.
Skipper Hon. Moses Magogo, who doubles as the FUFA president and MP for Budiope East, marshalled the team with composure.
Uganda could have stretched the scoreline even further, but Hon. Mohammed Nsereko (Kampala Central) saw his second-half penalty saved.
Earlier in the day, the Games were officially inaugurated at Kololo Ceremonial Independence Grounds, marking the start of a packed week of sporting rivalry among regional legislators.
Action Continues Across Multiple Disciplines
The sporting tempo intensifies on Sunday, 7th December 2025, with Uganda locking horns with Kenya in Basketball at 2 PM inside the Lugogo Indoor Arena. The two nations will renew their rivalry again on the Netball court.
In Volleyball, South Sudan battles Kenya, while EALA faces Uganda in the men’s category. Rwanda and Uganda will contest the women’s duel.
Monday’s programme spreads out to Darts at the Parliamentary Conference Hall and Athletics at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole. Tug-of-war events for both men and women will shake up the grounds of Buziga Islamic School.
The momentum rolls into Tuesday as Golf swings into action with Round One at the scenic Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa.
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