Rwanda will host this year's East African local authorities sports and cultural events.

The games will be held in December under the umbrella, East African Community Local Authorities Sports and Culture Association (EALASCA).

During a related event yesterday in Kigali, the Minister of Local Government, James Musoni, became the patron of the association while the Mayor of Kigali City, Fidele Ndayisaba, became his deputy.

The duo received the baton from their Ugandan counterparts, who held the patronage of the previous edition.

Contestants will compete in football, volleyball and athletics. Other disciplines in the tournament include cultural dances, basketball and netball.

Cyrille Turatsinze, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, who received the patronage chain on behalf of the Minister, said that this was a "core step of accelerating the integration process.’

"Sports in Rwanda is a foundation of good governance and a tool to mobilise people in promoting peace, unity and reconciliation and security,” said Turatsinze.

He called for further partnership to make the competition a success.

Ndayisaba described the position assumed by Rwanda as a "step forward in the EAC integration process and enhancing cooperation between the bloc’s local authorities and citizens.”

John Kashaka Muhanguzi, the Permanent Secretary in the Ugandan Ministry of Local Government, said that Rwanda was chosen as the host and patron of the event, because of her commitment.

"We are confident Rwanda will ensure the games are successful,” Kashaka said.

 The competitions pioneered by Kenya in 2009, aim at bringing together EAC citizens to create a strong economic, political and social bloc.

Last year, Kigali won two trophies; in volleyball and traditional dancing, during the second edition held in Uganda.

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