Kampala: Kenyan legislators were outpaced by their Ugandan counterparts as the Parliament of Uganda secured successive victories in the long-distance races during the first day of the athletics events on Monday, December 8, 2025.
According to African Press Organization, Ugandan MPs dominated both the men's and women's 1500 meters and the shorter 400 meters events held at the Mandela National Stadium. Hon. Julius Acon, an Olympian, claimed victory in the men's 1500 meters race with a time of 5:23.5, narrowly defeating Kenya's Titus Lotee, who clocked in at 5:24.0. Kenya's John Kagucha secured third place with a time of 5:54.08.
In the women's events, Hon. Christine Akello emerged victorious with a time of 8:30, ahead of Kenya's Hon. Phylis Barioo, with Uganda's Hellen Auma and Gorreth Namugga following closely behind. In the men's 400 meters, Uganda's Benard Odoi edged out Rwanda's Nyabyenda Damien for the win, while Rwanda's Germaine Mukabalisa dominated the women's race, finishing first ahead of Uganda's Christine Akello and Abeja Suzan.
Kenya found success in the 100 meters, with Vincent Musau winning his heat, followed by Uganda's Patrick Ocan and Rwanda's Nyabyenda Damien. In another heat, Benard Kitur led the pack, surpassing EALA's Ali Machano, Rwanda's Kanamugire James, and Uganda's Tom Aza. In the women's category, Kenya's Catherine Omanyo took the top spot, followed by Hellen Auma of Uganda, Rwanda's Germaine Mukabalisa, and Uganda's Anna Adeke.
Uganda continued to shine on the track by securing the women's 4—100m relay victory through the efforts of Agnes Taka, Adeke, Akello, and Hellen Auma. Meanwhile, the Kenyan men triumphed in their relay race, taking advantage of a baton drop that relegated the Ugandan men to a fourth-place finish.
In other sports news, Uganda claimed a 2-1 victory against their eastern neighbors in a football match at the MTN Omondi Stadium. Hon. Twaha Kagabo's first-half penalty and Hon. John Lematias's goal in the 71st minute sealed the win for Uganda. Kenya's Hon. Letipila Eli Dominic scored a consolation goal in the 87th minute, putting the ball past Hon. Linos Ngompek just before the final whistle.