We must simplify East African Community issues for Ugandans The last few months have been particularly incredible moments for the Ministry of East African Community Affairs staff. We traversed the countryside, visiting more than 30 districts and engaged the local leadership, each presenting unique experiences. This has been eye opening in many ways. Never before have we at the ministry had such an engaging sensitisation campaign filled with enthusiasm. In each of the questions we were asked by Ugandans, the quest for knowledge was most self-evident. The countrywide outreach tours have made us appreciate better and more the eagerness of Ugandans to understand deeply what their opportunities and benefits are in the EAC agenda, particularly under the Common Market Protocol. We have so far covered 34 of the 112 districts in the country. We have interacted with the leaders of Buyende, Rukungiri, Soroti, Serere, Kumi, Amuria, Kaberamaido, Pallisa, Ngora, Katakwi, Mubende,Kyenjojo, Kyegegwa and Kibaale districts. We also interacted with leaders of Lira, Apac, Kole, Oyam, Dokolo, Kibuku, Palisa, Namutumba, Budaka, Butaleja, Fort Portal, Ntoroko, Bundibugyo, Kasese, Kamwengye, Masaka, Lwengo, Bukomansimbi, Kalungu, Kabale and Kanungu districts. During our interaction in one of the districts, a gentleman asked: “I want to ask Madam PS to clearly tell us where the Common Market will be located?” While this may sound like a joke to those who understand the EAC Common Market Protocol, it reflects the need to reach out to Ugandans with simplified messages. While in Teso sub-region, a lady, possibly in her 60s, asked for specific provisions in the EAC that provide for women traders’ participation. In Kibuku, we were asked when we plan to vote for one president, and who, among the five Heads of State in our view, would lead the Community. In other areas, we were asked why we want South Sudan to be part of the Community even when there are allegations of harassment of Ugandan traders in South Sudan. While we offer direct answers to many of the questions, we take note of those that need further discussions. The most important lesson we picked from our tour is that Ugandans want to join the Community and are ready to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead as we form one strong market. Another important lesson is that while we endeavour to increase levels of awareness, we also think this is evidence of the need for combined efforts to pass on information to stakeholders. From our tour, we have learnt that the job is too big and yet too important to be left to the Ministry of East African Community Affairs alone because the EAC integration covers all areas in economic, social, productive, political and social service sectors. Nonetheless, answering to these questions becomes our ultimate satisfaction, because it is our mandate to steer Uganda’s regional integration in accordance with the objectives of the Treaty for the Establishment of the EAC and ensuring all Ugandans benefit from the integration. The local leaders we interacted with requested that some of the issues – uniform university dues, free movement of labour and the right of establishment in other Partner States and how to benefit from those provisions – be fast-tracked. As a coordinating ministry, we will, where necessary, attempt to reach out to all the districts because it is our genuine desire to bring everyone at the centre of setting the agenda and pace for this historical and transformational process. Even as some challenges remain, like the limitations to provide modest transport facilitation for all, we believe the results are worth the effort. Ms Mwanje is the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of East African Community Affairs. [email protected]
Posted on: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 15:15:08 +0000
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