MWE Correspondent
Tanzania’s Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Adolf Mkenda, has officially opened the Federation of East African Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSA) Games in Morogoro, highlighting the important role of sports in promoting students’ physical and mental health.
Speaking on August 16, 2026, during the opening ceremony at Jamhuri Stadium in Morogoro, Prof. Mkenda said participation in sports helps students maintain good physical and mental health, improve their ability to think and ultimately perform better academically.
The minister addressed more than 6,800 students attending the regional competition and expressed his satisfaction with Tanzania’s hosting of the games, particularly in Morogoro.
“Sports are an important part of building both physical and mental health, especially among students. They help create a healthy mind and body, which enables students to think better and concentrate on their studies,” Mkenda said.
FEASSA President Justus Mugisha said the games are designed to strengthen cooperation and friendship among participating East African countries while providing students with an opportunity to identify, develop and showcase their sporting talents.
He said the competition goes beyond sporting achievement, serving as a platform for young people from different countries to interact, build friendships and promote regional integration.
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Meanwhile, Ministry of Information, Arts, Culture and Sports Permanent Secretary and Government Chief Spokesperson Gerson Msigwa urged residents to view the FEASSA Games as an economic and business opportunity for Morogoro.
Msigwa said the presence of thousands of athletes, officials and accompanying visitors would boost economic activity and increase revenues for businesses across the region.
He also encouraged visitors attending the games to take advantage of their stay in Morogoro by visiting the region’s tourism attractions, including wildlife destinations.
The 2026 FEASSA Games bring together students from five East African countries — Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi.
The competition began on August 12 and will run through August 23, providing students with an opportunity to compete in various sporting disciplines while strengthening friendship, cooperation and unity among young people across the East African Community.
The hosting of the regional games in Morogoro is also expected to provide wider opportunities for local businesses, accommodation providers, transport operators and other service providers to benefit from the increased number of visitors during the event.
