The Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Albino Bol, presented a proposal of $1 million for the Cabinet’s approval for sports participation in the East African Community game that will be conducted in Kigali, Rwanda, in November 2023.
Speaking to the journalists after the meeting of the Council of Ministers, the Minister of Information and Postal Services, Michael Makuei, said the cabinet approved the proposal and directed the minister of finance to avail the funds on time.
“This estimated cost of $1,241,751 (around SSP1 billion) is the cost of population of over 100 people who are going to participate in various fields of sports and boost the management,” Makuei said.
He noted that this would be the second time that South Sudan will participate in the East African Community Games after the one conducted in Burundi before Juba hosted it.
“This year, the second edition will be conducted in Kigali, Rwanda, from the 20th to the 30th of November 2023. And the minister of youth and sports has recommended that South Sudan participate in this game,” said Makuei, adding that it provides an opportunity to sell the country’s ideals to the world.
In May 2023, the Council of Ministers approved $6.5 million (approximately SSP6 billion) to facilitate the participation of the national basketball team in the FIBA World Cup 2023. The approval was made after the minister of youth and sports requested a budget from the government to fund the national basketball team’s participation in the tournament.
But two months ago, a debate arose over the expenditure of the money, as the minister said only 25 per cent of the approved funds was released. A group of basketball fans alleged that they were left behind and replaced with a political delegation despite obtaining visas.
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