The East African Community (EAC) partner states have been encouraged to reinforce unity and cohesion to build a unified community that can tap into local solutions for shared challenges. Uganda’s Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, highlighted that the principles of the Common Market Protocol have sometimes been disregarded by certain member states, despite the goal of establishing a single market free from tariff and non-tariff obstacles.
Among questioned, “If we have agreed to use machine-readable national IDs for cross-border travel, why should this pose an issue in certain countries? We must respect the resolutions made by our institutions for the benefit of our nations.”
She made these remarks while addressing the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. The EALA, chaired by Rt Hon. Joseph Ntakirutimana, is currently holding its Third Session meetings in Kampala, Uganda.
Among acknowledged that significant procedural and institutional advancements have been made towards realizing the EAC’s goals in Customs Union, Monetary Union, Common Market, and political integration, but emphasized the need to address remaining barriers. “When disputes arise, we must not hesitate to confront them, as peace and stability among member states are essential for economic growth and political integration,” she added.
She also called on EAC member states to actively implement EALA’s resolutions and passed legislation, ensuring effective enforcement. The Bills up for discussion include the Standardization Bill, the Accreditation and Conformity Assessment Bill, and the Anti-Female Genital Mutilation Bill, the latter of which will be presented by Uganda’s EALA Representative, Hon. Jacqueline Amongin. “It is crucial that member states enact these laws domestically once they are passed, rather than letting them remain at the regional level. This responsibility should be taken up by the ministers representing each East African state,” Among emphasized.
Rt Hon. Ntakirutimana expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Museveni for his dedication to the EAC political federation, recalling a symbolic gift he provided to each member during the first EAC session. “We appreciate His Excellency’s dedication to the EAC political federation and anticipate his continued guidance as we pursue our legislative responsibilities,” said Ntakirutimana.
He also congratulated Speaker Among on her recent election as the Vice Chairperson of the Forum of African Speakers and Presidents of Legislatures at a recent meeting in Accra, Ghana, stating, “Your election is a testament to Uganda’s growing influence in African parliamentary diplomacy and regional unity for sustainable development. I further commend Uganda’s Parliament for being among the most proactive and vibrant legislatures in the region.”
