Ambassador Kabonero, EAC Secretary General Discuss Regional Integration

Uganda's High Commissioner to Tanzania, Richard Kabonero, on Wednesday met with the Secretary General of the East African Community, Dr. Peter Mathuki, with whom they discussed a wide range of issues geared at moving forward regional integration in East Africa.

In the meeting, which was held at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, Dr. Mathuki noted Uganda’s place in history as founder of the Community and her unwavering commitment to the EAC integration process.

He informed Kabonero that he plans 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 ambassador 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 Uganda’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,’’ he said.

Kabonero hailed EAC’s efforts 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.

He also 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.