A bus ferrying Tanzanian Members of Parliament (MPs) to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Games in Mombasa was involved in a road accident in Dodoma, Tanzania. National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula confirmed the incident on Friday, December 6, stating that while no fatalities were recorded, several MPs sustained injuries.
“One bus carrying some of our colleagues from Tanzania was involved in an accident. We have no fatalities, but some injuries. The injured have been taken to hospital and are receiving treatment. We wish a quick recovery to those who sustained injuries,” Wetangula said.
The accident occurred in the Mbande area, Kongwa District, after the bus collided with a lorry. The exact number of injured MPs remains unclear, but all have been rushed to the hospital for treatment. Wetangula assured the public that further updates would be provided once the team arrives in Mombasa.
EALA Games to Foster Regional Unity
The EALA Games, scheduled from December 6 to December 18, bring together MPs from eight East African Community (EAC) member states: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, South Sudan, and Somalia. These games aim to strengthen relations and promote regional integration through sports.
This year’s event, hosted in Mombasa, will be officially opened by President William Ruto on December 7. Wetangula, who serves as President of the Bureau of Speakers of the East African Parliament, confirmed that most delegations, including EALA MPs from Kenya, had already arrived safely in Mombasa.
The games were established in 2009 through a resolution of the 4th EAC Bureau of Speakers to promote unity among EAC parliaments. The event rotates annually among partner states.
Kenyan MPs Lead by Example
Speaker Wetangula highlighted a move toward fiscal responsibility, noting that Kenyan MPs traveled to Mombasa via the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) in alignment with President Ruto’s austerity measures.
“In line with the austerity measures set by President Ruto, we have opted to travel by the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) instead of flying, setting an example of fiscal responsibility,” Wetangula said.
Strengthening Regional Integration
The EALA Games represent more than just sports—they symbolize the East African region’s commitment to unity and collaboration.
“This is part of a bigger picture to ensure regional integration is achieved,” Wetangula emphasized.
While the Tanzanian MPs recover from the unfortunate incident, the games continue as a beacon of camaraderie and cooperation across East Africa.
