Kenya seized early control of the men’s golf event of the ongoing East Africa Community (EAC) Inter-Parliamentary Games in Kampala after posting a commanding 154 points on Day One of the stableford-format competition.
Led by Edward Muriu’s blistering 40 points and a trio of 38s from John Methu, Mugambi and JK Chege, the Kenyans opened a clear gap ahead of hosts Uganda at the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa in Kigo.
Uganda’s top four, spearheaded by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa on 35 points, and supported by Okin Ojara PP (31), Anthony Okullo (27) and Josephat Tumwesigye (27), totalled 120 points.
But the tide turned in the women’s category where Team Uganda ladies produced a superb collective performance. Sylvia Nayebale (37), Judith Alyek (34) and Patience Nkunda (27) tallied 98 points, outclassing Kenya’s 90 to give the home side a much-needed lift on Day One.
Kenya claim volleyball
Earlier at the Makerere Indoor Arena, the Kenya men’s volleyball team held off a spirited Ugandan display to win 3-1 in a pulsating match. Kenya edged the first set 25-23, Uganda roared back 25-12, but Kenya reclaimed control in the third (25-23) before sealing victory with a dominant 25-11 in the final set.
Uganda’s charge was led by captain Hon. Gaffa Mbwatekamwa, backed by Hon. Hillary Kiyaga alias Dr Hilderman, as the home fans created a fiery atmosphere. The Kenyan women were also ruthless in tug of war competition hosted at Lugogo Cricket Oval. They won all their three engagements against Uganda, South Sudan and EALA for a haul of nine points. Uganda consolidated second spot with five points.
Basketball joy for Uganda
There was joy later at Lugogo as Team Uganda outclassed Kenya 48-34 in the men’s basketball duel. Hon. Okabe Emmanuel dropped 11 points, while captain Mwine Mpaka and Bosco Okiror added 10 apiece, with Julius Tusiime contributing eight in a well-rounded team performance.
Dominant soccer hosts
On Tuesday, Uganda had made it two out of two on the soccer field with a tight but deserved 2-1 win over Kenya in the men’s football fixture. That victory gives Uganda hope in the first week of action across multiple sports as the EAC Games gather momentum.
EAC GAMES RESULTS
Golf – Men – Round One
Kenya – 154 points
Uganda – 120 points
EALA – 37 points
South Sudan – 28 points
Rwanda – 22 points
Golf – Women Round One
Uganda – 98 points
Kenya – 90 points
Rwanda – 20 points
Volleyball – Men
Kenya 3-1 Uganda
(25-23, 12-25, 25-23, 25-11)
Basketball – Men
Uganda 48-34 Kenya
(10-06, 14-08, 14-08, 10-16)
Football – Men
Uganda 2-1 Kenya
Tug of War – Women
Kenya 9 points
Uganda 5 points
South Sudan 4 points
EALA 0 points
THE BIG TALKING POINT
Momentum Shift. While Kenya’s early golf and tug of war statement set the tone, Uganda’s strength across other disciplines – particularly women’s golf, basketball and football – showed that this year’s Games may not follow a single-script narrative, with each code producing its own storyline of rivalry and redemption.