Uganda''s policy on EAC integration ready

By David Lumu

Uganda has crafted a national policy on integration, which officials say would be used to guide its cooperation with member states - Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania.

According to Lawrence Mujuni, an official at the Ministry of East African Affairs, the objective of the policy is for Uganda to identify and exploit opportunities presented by the East African Community, mainstream the integration agenda in government policies, define roles of various stakeholders and create awareness of the integration agenda among the public.

The policy looks at various sectors, which Uganda can explore to increase competitiveness with the East African Community spheres and beyond.

Agriculture, Education, Tourism and Industry are the major sectors that Uganda is looking at to anchor its leverage within the region.

The policy would be reviewed every five years to take into account contemporary developments.

“It is important to underscore the fact that EAC integration project is dynamic in nature which requires constant review and adaptation to foster a shared vision in managing the implementation of the National Policy Framework on East African Integration,” Mujuni said.

By crafting a policy on integration, Uganda joins the league of Rwanda. Kenya, Tanzania and Burundi that are also cooking up policies that would guide their integration process.