PM champions sports for regional integration
MOROGORO: PRIME Minister Mwigulu Nchemba has described school sports as a powerful tool for strengthening East African integration and nurturing the region’s future leaders.
Nchemba’s remarks were read on his behalf by the Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Adolf Mkenda, during the official opening of the 2026 Federation of East African Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) Games.
In his speech, the Premier said that sports bring young people together across political, religious and geographical differences.
He said the pupils and students taking part in the games could one day become the region’s engineers, doctors, scientists, entrepreneurs, diplomats and national leaders.
He stressed that bringing them together through sports was an investment in East Africa’s future.
More than 6,000 students and 2,000 officials from Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi are participating in the games that run until Sunday.
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“When we bring them together today, we are building the future of East Africa,” Nchemba noted.
He said the Government would continue investing in school sports, not only to develop athletes, but also to nurture disciplined and responsible citizens capable of contributing to sustainable development.
He linked the initiative to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the African Union (AU) Agenda and the East African Community (EAC) Vision 2050.
FEASSA President, Justus Mugisha, said the games, among other things, are aimed at strengthening regional cooperation while identifying and nurturing young talent.
Meanwhile, the Chief Government Spokesperson, Gerson Msigwa, urged Tanzanians to view the influx of athletes, officials and visitors as an economic opportunity for Morogoro, saying the event would stimulate businesses and other economic activities in the region.
