Kenya emerged overall winners of the 8th edition of the East African Community (EAC) Military Games which climaxed over the weekend in Zanzibar. Rwanda’s best performance was in men’s cross-country race where Felician Muhitira clinched a bronze medal and Gilbert Mutayimana was voted the best player in handball event. Kenya had to its credit eight trophies, including individual honours. Kenya won football, handball, and women’s cross-country event and snatched both best soccer scorer and best player’s award through Steve Mwalula. Kenya also secured second position in basketball (which was won by Uganda) and men’s cross-country (which was won by Tanzania’s Ismail Juma; shattering Kenya’s seven year dominance). Hosts Tanzania retained for the eighth year in succession the netball crown and won the event’s individual awards through Doritha Mbunda (best defender) and the towering Mwainaidi Hassan (best scorer). Tanzania finished second in soccer after drawing one-all against Uganda on the final day. Uganda snatched gold in basketball and runners-up positions in netball and handball. Individual best player’s awards went to Joseph Chuma (best player) and Ivan Lumanyika (best scorer) in the basketball event. Burundi took bronze in basketball and won best player’s award in handball through Juste Iladukunda (best goalkeeper). Uganda will host the next annual EAC military and cultural events next year.
