UGANDA HIGH COMMISSIONER TO TANZANIA PAYS COURTESY CALL ON EAC SECRETARY GENERAL

EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY

East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 16th June, 2021: Uganda's High Commissioner to Tanzania, H.E. Richard Kabonero, today paid a courtesy call on the Secretary General of the East African Community, Hon. (Dr.) Peter Mathuki, in his office at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.   The Secretary General and envoy discussed a wide range of issues geared at moving forward regional integration in East Africa.   Dr. Mathuki noted Uganda’s place in history as founder of the Community and her unwavering commitment to the EAC integration process.   Dr. Mathuki informed the Amb. Kabonero on his intention to actively involve all the High Commissioners representing Partner States in EAC activities.   “I want to assure you your Excellency that the Secretariat will involve you and other High Commissioners representing Partner States here in Tanzania on the progress of all EAC projects and progammes that are aimed at promoting integration in the region,” said Dr. Mathuki.   The Secretary General briefed the High Commissioner on the current EAC state of play on various integration matters including his tour to the Partner States to see the Heads of State.

On his part, Amb. Kabonero reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the EAC integration and urged the Secretary General to revitalize the Community’s strategies by engaging more with the private sector and other stakeholders to enhance integration.   The Ugandan envoy was emphatic that the EAC was making remarkable and irreversible progress on the integration agenda.   “It is a critical that the EAC Secretariat involves the private sector especially as we move closer to the latter stages of integration,’’ said Amb. Kabonero.   The High COmmissioner commended the efforts of the EAC’s towards the inclusion of Democratic Republic of Congo into the EAC as Summit directed.   “Admitting the DRC to the EAC presents an opportunity to increase trade flows and it may play a key role in promoting stability in the region,” he said.   Speaking on the COVID-19 status in Uganda, the High Commissioner informed the Secretary General on the new steps Uganda was taking including re-imposed a strict lockdown that included the closure of schools and the suspension of inter-district travel to help beat back a surge in COVID-19 cases in the East African country.   Amb Kabonero urged the Secretary General to take keen interest in making sure that EAC comes up with a common approach to tackling the COVID-19 pandemic as opposed to the current situation where each country is coming up with its own protocols. “It is high time EAC Partner States find a way to work together against COVID-19,” said the envoy.   Also present at the meeting were the EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Planning and Infrastructure, Eng. Steven Mlote, Ugandan Embassy Liaison Officer in Arusha Nora Lema.