President Museveni launches the All Africa University Games.

The 5th edition of the All Africa Inter University Games was on Tuesday flagged off by President Y.K Museveni at an opening ceremony at Mandela National Stadium. The President was the chief guest at the colourful ceremony that kicked off at 4pm. "It’s now my pleasure to declare these games open," he said as he launched the games after his speech, to loud cheer from the spectators.
This followed a vibrant parade of all the participants from various countries accompanied by their flags and tunes from the Uganda Police band.
The president stressed the importance of games and sports in preventing youth from running into troubles, citing alcoholism that would lead them to catch HIV/AIDS. "Sports are good because they keep you occupied, preventing you from running into trouble," he said. "As you enjoy sports, you avoid peer pressure and advertisements that may tempt you to catch AIDS".
He however emphasised fair play among participants and acceptance of defeat. "You should not look at sports as war, when you lose you should congratulate the victor." He said, because sports promote culture and fair competition.
The President also took time to promote Uganda’s several tourism sites and good climatic conditions which will favour the games. "Where you are standing now is above 1300m above sea level on top of being across the equator", explaining why they would neither find in too cold nor too hot. "The longest river in the world also starts from this country and I hope you get time to visit it", he said.
The Minister of Education and Sports, Geraldine Namirembe Bitamazire lauded the University Primary Education progamme for supporting education, acknowledging the presence of UPE products among Ugandan participants. "Thank you your excellence for the moral and financial support," she said, "the Games to promote good social interactions among students of various universities in Africa".
For the Minister of Education and Sports, it was a spotlight away from the on raging school fires. Where the way her ministry has handled the situation has been criticised and some sections of the public have called her to step-down. The Games should promote good social interactions among students of various universities in Africa.
Livingstone Luboobi the Vice Chancellor of the host Makerere University also welcomed all the participants to Makerere University, and feel at home.
Up to six Primary and secondary schools attended; Kisoga P/S from Mukono, Victoria from Jinja, and Nsaus P/S, Katikamu, Njejje High ,Lukomera from Luwero. As light was quick fading, hundreds of pupils from these schools put a well choreographed show, in floodlights, forming colourful formations of the Ugandan flag and a flower to loud jubilation.
Several dance groups provided entertainment, including Ndere Troupe.
The ceremony was also attended by Minister of State for Sports Charles Bakkabulindi, the President Africa University Sports Federation, Members of Parliament and many other dignitaries.
The head of the local organising committee promised that the Games would be, ‘dynamic, interesting and successful’. Thanking the minister of sports Charles Bakkabulindi.
The 1st edition of the All Africa University Games was held in 1974 in Accra Ghana, Nairobi hosted the 2nd edition in 1978. Due to financial problems, the 3rd edition was held in 2002 in Nigeria. South Africa held the last edition from where Uganda won the bid to host the 5th edition.
South Africa which has the largest traveling contingent and will seek to defend the championship they won at home.
Competition will rage in 17 sports disciplines, most of then will be held at Makerere University, other venues will be at Lugogo and Mandela National Stadium
The Ugandan team is Comprised of Various Universities; Makerere, Ndejje, Mukono Christian university, KIU, Kyambogo, Kampala, and Mbarara University among others.
The Games have attracted up to 18 countries, but 14 were available for the opening ceremony. Congo, DR Congo, and Egypt will arrive as the games kick off. The Games will end on the 16th of July.