Summary:
- Uganda dominates the Inter-Parliamentary Games in Kigali, Rwanda, securing multiple victories in athletics under the coaching of former world champion Dorcus Inzikuru, with the parliamentary team displaying impressive performances in various events and expressing gratitude for the support from Parliament leadership.
Uganda continues to showcase outstanding performance at the ongoing Inter-Parliamentary Games, dominating the initial athletic events held in Kigali, Rwanda.
Under the guidance of former world champion Dorcus Inzikuru, the parliamentary athletics team took to the Bugesera Stadium tracks on Monday, December 11, 2023, with a determined spirit to defend their championship title.
In the 100m heats, Hon. Joan Alobo (FDC, Soroti City) and Hon. Helen Auma (NRM, Busia District) claimed first place in separate races. Meanwhile, Hon. Robert Ssekitoleeko (NUP, Bamunanika County) and Hon. Bernard Odoi (NRM, Youth Representative Eastern) emerged victorious in their respective 400m heats. In the women’s 1500m race, Hon. Christine Akello (NRM, Erute County North) secured the second position after experiencing joint cramps in the final lap, relinquishing her lead.
The men’s 1500m contest witnessed the defending champion, Hon. Julius Acon (NRM, Otuke East County), securing a decisive victory against his East African competitors. Uganda concluded the day with further triumphs in the 4x100m relays for both men and women.
Hon. Bosco Okiror MP (Usuk County), a participant in the relay, attributed their gold medal win to dedicated practice and effective teamwork. Okiror proudly declared, “We have overcome the formidable Kenyans who posed a threat.”
Hon. Okiror, the defending champion of the 200m gold from the previous year in South Sudan, emphasized the importance of teamwork in their success.
Coach Inzikuru commended the leadership of Parliament for their robust support of the parliamentary sports team and expressed the team’s commitment to earning more medals.
“I want to congratulate the team for their outstanding performance, and also extend my gratitude to the Speaker of Parliament for supporting us in promoting sports in the country. We look forward to more games on December 16, 2023, and are optimistic about winning additional trophies,” Inzikuru stated.
The final round of athletics games is scheduled to resume on Saturday, December 16, 2023.
