Gulu LC V boss Mapenuzi critical of government role in Feassa Games
Brian Kalumba of St. Marys Kitende Secondary School tries to advance away from Dan Musamali of St. Anthony, Kenya during the FEASSSA games at Gulu High School, Gulu, Uganda. Photo by Ismail Kezaala
GULU.
At a moving opening ceremony of the Brookside East Africa Secondary School Games on Sunday, the Gulu Local Council V chairman Martin Ojara Mapenduzi was critical of government not giving sports the credit it deserves while thanking the people of Gulu for their contribution.
“Much as the people of Gulu did a lot, this was the responsibility of government. We think government seems not to take games and sports serious,” organizing committee head Mapenduzi said.
“The section is not properly funded. This is not about Gulu, northern Ugandan. It’s the future of Uganda.
“Everyone in Gulu from women in the market to boda boda riders. I want to pay tribute to one old man who travelled 51km from Awere to deliver Shs1200, an equivalent of 12 bricks in cash, after the wall at this stadium fell,” he added.
Gulu Diocese Archbishop John Baptist Odama described the host district as heaven.
Odama had been invited to deliver a word of prayer at the biggest sports event in region that brings together 219 schools and 3500 students to northern Uganda, once ravaged by war in 1980s, 90s and early 2000s.
St. Marys Kitende Secondary School students celebrate after defeating St. Anthony, Kenya 2-1 during the FEASSSA games at Gulu High School, Gulu, Uganda. Photo by Ismail Kezaala
“Gulu is codenamed heaven so you are welcome to heaven,” Odama said on Sunday amid ululation from the large crowd at Pece War Memorial Stadium.
“We thank God for brining this event here. It’s bringing us together and I appeal to our leaders, political and cultural, to unite us so we can become a powerful corner of Africa,” he said.
Feassa secretary David Ngugi re-echoed his words and reminded government officials, led by Ugandan deputy premier in charge of East Africa affairs Ali Kirunda Kivejinja, of the role of sports.
“Feassa is a family bound to promote East Africa integration through sports,” Ngugi said.
Adding that; “Sports is a multi-billion industry. We prepare our students for this alternative source of employment. This is the biggest sports event in this region. It’s a youth Olympics.”
There were colorful dances from Sacred Heart School and a local traditional group that thrilled all before state sports minister Charles Bakabulindi and Kivejinja, representing President Yoweri Museveni, promised more in future.
