By Muhimbise George
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Annet Anita Among, embodies a passion for sports that is both inspiring and unparalleled. Her commitment to sports development is a model that all leaders should strive to emulate.
The state-of-the-art Bukedea Comprehensive Sports Complex, which she personally spearheaded in her home district, stands as a testament to the vast potential our nation holds if we choose to invest meaningfully in sports—whether through government initiatives or private sector involvement.
While many would have opted to establish such a facility in Kampala, Among made the deliberate choice to bring this world-class sports complex to Bukedea. Her decision reflects a deep commitment to ensuring that people from rural areas also have access to the benefits of such modern amenities. This act was not driven by the pursuit of profit but by a desire to provide the youth of Teso sub region with opportunities to hone their talents and pursue their dreams. It takes a visionary leader to make such a selfless investment.
The hosting of the ongoing East Africa Secondary School Games in Bukedea was another milestone made possible by Among’s effective lobbying. The influx of visitors showcased Bukedea and stimulated local tourism and boosted businesses in the area, demonstrating the transformative power of sports on community development.
Among’s influence extends beyond Bukedea. Under her leadership, Parliament has been instrumental in accelerating the completion of the Namboole Stadium and in securing the joint bid to host the 2027 AFCON competitions. These achievements highlight the critical role that sports play in national pride and development.
If all our leaders embraced and championed sports with the same fervor as Speaker Anita Among, there is no limit to how far our country could go. Her example is a call to action for others to support and invest in the future of sports in Uganda.
The author is a policy analyst
