Colour and pomp as school games start in Uganda

By OSCAR PILIPILI

Lira, Uganda: Pomp and colour marked the opening ceremony of the 13th edition of East African Secondary School Championships here in Lira, Uganda on Sunday.

In what was compared to a mini Olympic Games, teams splendid in respective national colours marched past dignitaries led by chief guest, Uganda Minister For Education and Sports Major (retired) Jessica Alupo.

Kenya’s conspicuous colours of red, black, green and white was dominant as 571 students and officials waving miniature flags marched past the dais.

They were followed by Burundians in their light blue, yellow, blue and green colours and behind them came Rwanda, Tanzania, South Sudan and hosts Uganda. The host had the largest contingent.

Tanzanians were cheered loudly apparently for returning to the games after skipping the previous tournament in Mbarara, Uganda.

Hundreds of people, including top Government officials from participating nations were at the openning ceremony humming to their respective national anthems.

The march past was preceeded by cultural entertainment show staged by various groups including primary schools. These all happenned under the hawk eyed glare of several security agents at the venue.

Countries participating in the games are: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Zanzibar and South Sudan. All Governments expressed commitment in support of school games.

Top Kenya officials from Ministry of Education who graced the occasion were Acting Director Quality Assurance and Standards Mohammed Mwinyipembe, Enos Oyaya (patron), Johnstone Ikiungu (deputy director), Margaret Wamoto (transport), Alice Mwaniki (principal accountant), Noor Aden, James Kairu and Festus Moturi.

The idea to bring the games to Lira has been welcomed by habitants of the district. This is the first time that an international event of sorts is taking place here.

A motor bike operator exclaimed: “The people of Lira can’t believe it that these games have been brought here. Not any games event of such magnitude has ever taken place here.”