EAC to meet in Kampala over political federation

A two-day dialogue on political federation of the East African Community (EAC) will convene in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, starting November 17. The Deputy Secretary General in charge of Political Federation, Beatrice Kiraso, said the major objective of the meeting is to brainstorm, promote and advocate for inclusiveness and participation of all East Africans. The meeting will also discuss the acceleration of political will towards the political integration. “This is an outreach activity that seeks to popularise and inform East Africans about the status of political integration, the progress and challenges thereof and to involve many stakeholders on charting the way ahead,” said Kiraso. The dialogue will be held under the theme: “enhancing representation/inclusiveness in promoting EAC integration”. Key topics to be discussed include the impact of national politics on the EAC integration process. It will be presented by the immediate former Secretary General of EAC, Ambassador Juma Mwapachu. Kiraso says the dialogue will be a regular activity among all partner states. Topics will be based on studies commissioned to research on various topical political integration issues. After the dialogue, there will be a round-table discussion with a number of development partners interested in collaborating with the bloc in the promotion of political integration and good governance. Good governance has been identified as key in laying a firm foundation for political federation. “At the coming Summit on November 30, the Heads of State are expected to give guidance on the roadmap towards political federation,” adds Kiraso. The event will be attended by, among others, representatives of private sector, academia, youth, media, integration experts, religious organisations and politicians. Ends

National

EAC to meet in Kampala over political federation