President Yoweri Museveni has urged leaders of the East African Community (EAC) to overcome trade barriers that harm the region’s economy.
He made these remarks during a meeting at State House in Entebbe on November 28, 2024, with several prominent leaders, including Kenya’s Speaker of the Senate, Rt. Hon. Amason Kingi Jeffah, and the Kenyan Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Joash Maangi.
Museveni emphasized that trade bans among EAC member states are damaging and called for greater cooperation and integration in the region. He highlighted the long history of trade connections in East Africa, which have been weakened by internal divisions and the effects of colonialism.
“We became a disconnected trade area,” Museveni said.
Museveni pointed out that even if Uganda becomes a developed nation, it will still face challenges in achieving certain goals, such as space exploration, without the support and cooperation of other East African countries.
He also stressed the importance of Pan-Africanism, which he described as vital for the prosperity and security of the people in the region. Museveni mentioned the shared culture and language, particularly Swahili, which can help strengthen ties among the countries.
During his speech, Museveni reflected on his own mistakes in trade policies, specifically mentioning the challenges faced by rice growers in Uganda and Tanzania. He noted that protectionist measures could hinder competitiveness and ultimately hurt local economies. He firmly opposed banning products and urged for free trade policies that would benefit all member states.
Kenyan President William Ruto supported Museveni’s views, stating that regional integration is essential for increasing intra-EAC trade, which currently accounts for about 25-28% of trade among African nations.
“It is important for us to work together for peace and stability in the region, which is key to attracting both local and foreign investments,” Ruto said.
The discussions among the EAC leaders reflect a growing commitment to enhancing cooperation and addressing economic challenges. Museveni’s call for united efforts highlights the potential benefits of collaboration over competition in East Africa.
