Members of parliament are now discussing the possibility
of forming a sports club that would provide them with access to fitness
centers.
On Monday, some members of parliament who took part in
the East Africa Inter-Parliamentary Games last year asked the house to
establish sports clubs in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly.
Hon. Bol Toby Maduot, who tabled the petition, stated
that the clubs have three objectives: to encourage the participation of
parliamentarians and support staff in sports activities with the goal of
improving fitness, health, and enjoyment; and to build and strengthen a
relationship between the MPs.
The third goal is to take part in regional and worldwide
athletic events in order to engage in sports diplomacy on a bilateral and
multilateral level.
“The sport club will help eradicate high levels of
inactivity amongst Members of Parliament, particularly among our members with
long-term health conditions, female MPs and staff, the elderly, and Members
with disabilities,” said Hon. Toby.
While parliament players have been pushing for the
establishment of sports clubs, the speaker of the parliament, Jemma Nunu Kumba,
said sports and health clubs are requirements for each parliament of the East
Africa Community.
“In other parliaments, there are health clubs where MPs
can go to exercise for the wellbeing of their own health. So, since we are
still developing, this club will be established, fully equipped with gym
equipment for members of parliament to remain fit, and it will be compulsory
for everybody to go and exercise,” said Nunu.
The speaker passed the petition to the specialized
Committee of Youth and Sport, the Committee of East Africa Community Affairs
and Regional Integration, and the Committee for Legislation and Justice for
deliberation, then reported back to the house after 14 days.
