EALA Championship: MPs Rise Above Politics to Deliver Netball Gold for Uganda

By Kayiira Jackson 

Uganda’s Members of Parliament continued their dominant run at the 2025 East Africa Parliamentary Games, clinching the Netball trophy after an inspiring team performance powered by Hon. Sarah Kayagi (Namisindwa District) and Hon. Juliet Kakande Nakabuye.

The Parliamentarians were in flawless form, thrashing Burundi 68–10 to complete a perfect two-game sweep in the championship. Hon. Kayagi led the scoring charts with a remarkable 78 goals, including 43 against Burundi and 35 in their earlier victory over Kenya. Kakande followed closely with 57 goals, scoring 25 and 32 in the respective fixtures.

Despite Burundi’s heavy defeat, the country’s Deputy Speaker of the Senate, Clotilde Kampimbare, impressed with a spotless record—converting all 10 of her attempts.

Uganda’s netball triumph further solidifies their commanding presence in this year’s tournament. The delegation has already secured a remarkable haul: double gold in basketball, titles in volleyball, and women’s athletics, with the men’s team adding a football trophy, placing Uganda firmly ahead of Kenya on the overall medals table.

However, beyond the medals, the spirit of unity and patriotism defined the team’s journey.

Hon. Hellen Nakimuli, the Kalangala District Woman MP and Uganda’s wing attacker, emphasized the importance of teamwork over political identity.

“I may not speak for the members but personally, I am a sports person. For me, sports comes before any title or party. When we’re on court the word ‘Honorable’ seizes to matter, and the same applies to party differences. Here, we play as a team, we play for Uganda. Maybe in future NUP may face NRM, and I am sure we shall win—but for parliamentary games, we put politics aside and play for the flag,” she said.

Team captain Hon. Sarah Kayagi praised her colleagues’ commitment during a politically demanding season.

“Due to campaign season, it has been tough for me to mobilize members to come and train. But I am so happy that once the tournament began, they traveled from their constituencies to train. During matches, they showed love for their talent. We won this trophy in Kenya and I am glad we have defended it,” she noted.

With only the official awarding ceremony left on Monday, Uganda stands on the brink of clinching the overall trophy—an achievement built on talent, teamwork, and unwavering national pride.