Regional integration hampered by sovereignty issues, says Kadaga
Ms Rebecca Kadaga, the First deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, speaks during the celebrations to mark 25 years of East African Community in Kampala on December 4. PHOTO | SYLIVIA KATUSHABE
What you need to know:
- Despite the challenges, the community has made significant progress, including the resolution of 274 non-tariff barriers since 2007.
As the East African Community (EAC) celebrates its 25th anniversary, concerns have been raised about the delayed implementation of customs and common market protocols, as well as the slow adoption and execution of new policies and regulations.
Ms Rebecca Kadaga, the first deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, expressed her concerns, stating, "For the 25 years, the biggest hurdle has been the non-tariff barriers and the issue of sovereignty because every country wants their own programs, their own budget, their own economy because everyone is protecting their business."
She further emphasized that non-tariff barriers have hindered regional trade, saying, "Because of the non-tariff barriers, we are doing more trade with the EU than we are doing with our own countries. The EAC are only doing 15 per cent among themselves, but they are doing the balance with the other countries."
The EAC, established in 1999, initially consisted of three member states: Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Over the years, it has expanded to include Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Somalia.
Despite the challenges, the community has made significant progress, including the resolution of 274 non-tariff barriers since 2007.
Ms Kadaga noted, "This reflects the EAC's dedication to enhancing trade."
Other notable achievements include the expansion and operationalization of One-Stop Border Posts, the promotion of micro, small, and medium enterprises, and advancements in agriculture, tourism, and industrialization.
Ms Edith Nsajja Mwanje, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of EAC Affairs, emphasised the importance of increasing production and innovation to meet regional market demands. She stated, "The key component of the integration agenda is doing business together as a Community and expanding the market beyond East Africa."
Kenneth Bagamuhunda, Director of Arches Holdings Ltd, highlighted the strategic importance of East African communities coming together, saying, "The East Africa is well-known for its historical cohesion in terms of trade, politics, socio-economic and cultural cohesion."
