EAC PARTNER STATES COMMENDED FOR SUCCESSFULLY HOSTING CONTINENTAL AND INTERNATIONAL SPORTS EVENTS

The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) has passed a resolution commending Partner States for their outstanding success in hosting major continental and international sports events in 2025 — a move hailed as a demonstration of regional unity, sporting excellence, and the growing global stature of the East African Community (EAC).

The resolution, brought under Articles 49(2)(d), 59(1), 119(a) and (h) of the Treaty Establishing the EAC and Rule 26 of the Assembly’s Rules of Procedure, was moved by Falhada Dekow Iman and seconded by Clément Musangabatware during a plenary session held in October 7, 2025.

The motion recognized that under Article 119 of the EAC Treaty, Partner States committed to cooperate in the promotion of sports and other cultural activities as a means of strengthening the East African identity.

In August 2025, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania jointly hosted the African Nations Championship (CHAN 2025) — a continental football tournament showcasing local talent. Shortly after, from 21st to 28th September 2025, Rwanda successfully hosted the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Road World Championships in Kigali, marking the first time the global cycling event was held on African soil.

"Our countries have demonstrated not only their ability to host world-class sporting events but also their capacity to showcase the cultural richness, natural beauty, and hospitality of the East African region," said Hon. Falhada Dekow Iman while presenting the motion.

Supporting the motion, Hon. Clément Musangabatware added:

"These events are not just about sports – they are about opening our region to the world, promoting tourism, and uniting our people through shared achievements and pride."

The Assembly commended the efforts and collaboration between the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), and Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) for the successful organisation of CHAN 2025. It also congratulated the national teams — Harambee Stars (Kenya), Uganda Cranes (Uganda), and Taifa Stars (Tanzania) — for reaching the quarterfinals of the tournament, praising their performance as a reflection of the immense talent in national leagues across the region.

"Our teams have made us proud by competing at the highest level and showcasing the football potential that exists within our own domestic leagues," Iman noted.

The resolution also acknowledged the heavy investment by Partner States in sports infrastructure, accommodation, transport, and event management, which enabled the region to successfully attract and host international competitions.

Members of the Assembly agreed that these developments highlight the socio-economic potential of sports, particularly in empowering youth, creating employment, boosting tourism, and strengthening regional integration.

As part of the resolution, the Assembly resolved:

1. To commend the Republics of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania for the successful joint hosting of CHAN 2025.

2. To congratulate the Republic of Rwanda for hosting the 2025 UCI Road World Championships, the first time the event has taken place in Africa.

3. To applaud the FKF, FUFA, and TFF for their effective coordination and delivery of CHAN 2025.

4. To recognize the efforts and achievements of the Harambee Stars, Uganda Cranes, and Taifa Stars for reaching the quarterfinals and raising the EAC flag high in international football.

The resolution concludes with a call for Partner States to continue investing in sports development and bid for more international events, positioning East Africa as a global hub for sports tourism and talent development.