The East African Community (EAC) member states have been called upon to deepen unity and uphold agreed protocols to bolster regional cohesion and address shared challenges.
Speaking to the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) on Tuesday, Uganda’s Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, emphasized that maintaining a united EAC is key to unlocking local solutions and fostering economic growth.
Among highlighted ongoing issues with the Common Market Protocol, noting that some member states have not adhered to agreed frameworks, such as the use of machine-readable national identity cards for cross-border travel.
“If we have agreed on such protocols, we must respect them as institutions for the benefit of our communities,” she said.
The EALA session, chaired by Speaker Rt. Hon. Joseph Ntakirutimana, is currently meeting for its Third Session in Kampala. Among commended the progress on EAC pillars, including the Customs Union, Monetary Union, and Common Market, while urging greater efforts to eliminate existing barriers to full integration.
She underscored the importance of addressing disagreements openly to enhance peace, security, and economic prosperity within the bloc.
Among further called for EAC member states to implement the decisions and laws passed by EALA, noting that legislation must move from assembly approval to domestic application.
Bills under review include the Standardization Bill, the Accreditation and Conformity Assessment Bill, and Uganda’s Anti-Female Genital Mutilation Bill, presented by Hon. Jacqueline Amongin.
Ntakirutimana praised President Yoweri Museveni’s dedication to EAC integration, recalling his support for the region’s political federation.
He also congratulated Speaker Among on her recent election as Vice Chairperson of the Forum of African Speakers and Presidents of Legislatures in Accra, Ghana, hailing it as a testament to Uganda’s rising influence in African parliamentary diplomacy.
Comments are closed.